Liverpool-linked Digne confirms English offers

Mark Holmes
Lucas Digne: Was linked with Liverpool before joining Roma on loan

Lucas Digne: Was linked with Liverpool before joining Roma on loan

Lucas Digne has confirmed he turned down the opportunity to move to the Premier League before joining Roma on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

Digne was widely reported to be a transfer target for Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers in the summer transfer window, but the Frenchman instead joined Roma on a season-long loan deal with a view to a permanent move.

“I’d received offers from England too, but I realised that Roma was the club I wanted the most,” Digne told L’Equipe.

“I’m here on loan, so I can’t say how long I’ll be here, but I’ll give everything for this shirt.”

Digne, who says Roma have been tracking him “for years”, is confident he made the right decision in moving to the Stadio Olimpico.

“In just a few days I faced the champions of Italy and Europe [Juventus and Barcelona],” the 22-year-old added.

“I was very well received by the experienced players here at Roma, and I’ve found a family environment.

“The fans? It’s comforting to see that there are so many people behind us. There’s been talk of the Scudetto, and I realised why I came here.

“[Coach Rudi] Garcia had a big impact on my decision to come here, but he wasn’t the only reason, since Roma have been interested in me for years.”