Amrabat tried to force a loan move to Barcelona during the January transfer window but Serie A club, Fiorentina, were unwilling to let him leave
By Kehinde Okeowo
Fiorentina coach, Vincenzo Italiano has revealed Morocco international, Sofyan Amrabat has apologised to the club, fans and his team-mates after trying to push through a deadline day move to Barcelona.
Amrabat had already been heavily linked with Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, but it was Barcelona who made a late swoop, offering a loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.
The Moroccan who was keen on a loan move to the Camp Nou wanted to leave but the terms were not acceptable to Florentina, who rejected the bid outright, leaving the player frustrated and openly irritated.
He was at first left out of the squad entirely for this Coppa Italia quarter-final against Torino, but then came on as a substitute after making amends.
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Speaking at the press conference before the match, Italiano said Amrabat was affected by the whole situation and has spoken to his team-mates about the last few days.
He said: “Amrabat was shaken up by what happened, but he apologised and knows he must give everything until June. He is a top player.
“The only situation that went to the last minute was Amrabat, who was rightly left out of the training session, but when the transfer window closes, everything settles down.
“Amrabat stood up and apologised. The transfer market is a sporting tragedy for coaches, so it’s much better when it closes and we can focus on the game.”
Amrabat is said to still be keen on a move to Barcelona at the end of the season, but it’s not clear if the Catalans will renew their interest in the summer.