http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/07/15/ic-swiss-international-deep-regret-over-failed-leeds-united-move/Jonathan Rossini has spoken about his collapsed transfer to Leeds United.#85680354 / gettyimages.com
Sassuolo centre-back Jonathan Rossini was expected to be Leeds United’s third Italian based singing this summer, following Marco Silvestri and Tommaso Bianchi to Elland Road.
The Whites are currently in Italy for their pre-season retreat, and 25-year-old linked up with the squad for training in Santa Cristina at the weekend ahead of his anticipated move.
#179649503 / gettyimages.com
But Rossini was sent back to Sassuolo on Monday as Leeds owner Massimo Cellino confirmed he won’t be joining the Elland Road outfit after all.
Cellino later remarked that the once-capped Switzerland international “didn’t have the right attitude†to play for Leeds after failing to impress during his three-day stint with the side.
And Rossini has given a statement on the situation, expressing gratitude to Leeds for his brief stay in the camp.
He told Calciomercato: ‘I feel the need to thank Leeds United and the figures of president Cellino and sporting director Nicola Salerno for the proposal and for the hospitality received in the retreat in recent days.'
‘With deep regret I am unable to accept a transfer to this prestigious club of which I would be honoured to be a part.'
‘The reasons are strictly personal and do not relate to contractual issues nor approval of the destination.'
‘I sincerely wish Leeds good luck with the hope that our paths will cross again in the future.’
SEE ALSO: Rossini fails Leeds test, but two signings are confirmed
Leeds have been linked with a pair of other Serie A players as Rossini heads back to Sassuolo, Sampdoria right-back Gaetano Berardi and AC Milan striker Andrea Petagna.
Cellino and Salerno remain keen on utilising their connections in Italy to source reinforcements capable of mounting a push for promotion to the Premier League when the season opens next month.
How will Leeds fare in their first season under Cellino's leadership?