Angry Roma supporters unveiled an X-rated banner protesting the signing of former Juventus and AC Milan defender Leonardo Bonucci as the club pulled out of negotiations.
Jose Mourinho's side have now abandoned their pursuit, with club chiefs opting to focus on signing a younger target in the January transfer window. Bonucci, 36, joined Union Berlin over the summer but has struggled in the German capital, with his new club enduring a wretched season both domestically and in their debut Champions League campaign.
Sixth-place Roma were tipped to sign the 121-time Italy international on a short-term basis but a report from Corriere dello Sport claims that the Giallorossi have now withdrawn their interest. The decision comes following the sight of a banner which was unfurled by disgruntled fans. " Bonucci, rinse our b***s," it read, hanging on a bridge in the city.
The phrasing was in reference to the centre-back's 'rinse your mouth' goal celebration. Bonucci scored a spectacular volley to beat Roma 3-2 while was at Juventus in 2014, gesturing towards his mouth as he wheeled away towards the crowd.
Commenting on Roma supporters' protestation of the transfer, Mourinho said: "The fans are the heart of the club and when they don't like something, I personally think you shouldn't do it out of respect for them."
However, it's since been reported that rather than fan protests, the main reason for the Serie A side opting not to pursue a move Bonucci was because they want to sign a younger centre-back. Roma president Dan Friedkin is said to have personally vetoed the transfer, with out-of-favour West Ham defender Thilo Kehrer, 27, linked with a switch to the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma's talks with Bonucci and his entourage suggest that the
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