Real Madrid’s Fernando Gago has completed a move to Roma ahead of the close of the summer 2011 transfer window.
The Argentine international midfielder joins Luis Enrique’s Italian side initially on a 12-month loan deal, with the Giallorossi retaining a clause believed to be between €6.5-7m to make the move permanent next year. The move confirms previous reports.
In five years at the Santiago Bernabeu, Gago has struggled with injury and only managed one League start in 2010-11 and 14 the year before. He also picked up an injury on his return to Real’s pre-season training this summer after initially impressing for his country in their Copa America campaign.
Gago was one of several players sidelined by Jose Mourinho this summer and forced to train apart from the senior squad, as well as remain in Spain as they underwent an extensive international summer tour.
In a similar situation to Gago was Pedro Leon – who has agreed a return to Getafe – and Royston Drenthe – who is linked with a free transfer to Everton. However, intrigue surrounds another player previously thought likely to depart today.
Lassana Diarra is understood to have turned down a move to Milan today, as he did last week with Tottenham Hotspur, after Real had agreed deals with both clubs to offload the midfielder. Both Milan and Tottenham have now signed other midfielders today of similar playing style and function. Unlike Gago, Leon and Drenthe though, it has been Diarra’s choice to train away from Mourinho’s squad, in a bid to find a new club, but in light of recent rejections, it is believed he may remain with Los Blancos.
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