Austria international Kevin Danso releases scathing statement after transfer falls through on deadline day
Austria international Kevin Danso has released a strongly-worded statement after his move to AS Roma fell through.
The 25-year-old defender, who plays for Ligue 1 side RC Lens, travelled to Rome this week in the hope of completing a reported €25 million [£21m] move to the Giallorossi.
After taking part in a series of tests in the Italian capital on Thursday, it emerged that Danso had failed a medical but not with AS Roma.
It is suggested the centre-back was not given permission to play in Italy by local authorities,
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Italian medical tests are notoriously strict. Christian Eriksen, for example, was suspended from playing in Italy due to his cardiac device implant.
On Thursday, RC Lens confirmed Danso's move to AS Roma was off. "The long interpretation of a medical examination is at the origin of this aborted transfer," a statement read.
"The club is wondering about the deep reasons for the non-validation of this movement for a meticulously monitored player who has played more than 30 matches on French and international pitches."
A day later and Danso released a statement of his own. The former Augsburg defender explained why he is "very surprised" by the news.
"Statement on the failed transfer to AS Roma – I am disappointed and upset about the events of the past few days and the failed transfer to AS Roma," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
"Above all, I am very surprised by the supposed reason for the collapsed transfer. Both the doctors of the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) and the medical department of RC Lens have closely monitored me and regularly examined me over the past years.
"Most recently, I was thoroughly assessed at the start of pre-season training in Lens and no irregularities were ever found. Therefore, the interpretations of the medical check in Rome are highly perplexing and completely incomprehensible to my team and I."
Danso added: "I will now discuss my situation with the responsible parties at Lens and at the ÖFB and focus on the tasks ahead."
AS Roma have already found their replacement for Danso, according to Fabrizio Romano, who says Tiago Djalo will sign for Daniele de Rossi's side from Juventus on loan with an buy option.
Jack Kenmare