Ex-Roma and Palermo director Walter Sabatini has confessed that Javier Pastore is ‘embarrassing’ him with his performances for the Giallorossi.
Sabatini took Pastore to Italy in 2009 when he was Palermo’s sporting director, the attacking midfielder going on to make a lucrative move to Paris Saint-Germain two years later.
However, injuries and a lack of form have limited the Argentine to just five Serie A starts for Roma this season.
Ex-Roma and Palermo director Walter Sabatini has confessed that Javier Pastore is ‘embarrassing’ him with his performances for the Giallorossi.
Sabatini took Pastore to Italy in 2009 when he was Palermo’s sporting director, the attacking midfielder going on to make a lucrative move to Paris Saint-Germain two years later.
However, injuries and a lack of form have limited the Argentine to just five Serie A starts for Roma this season.
“I can’t watch him playing like he is, it embarrasses me a lot,” the 63-year-old told Tele Radio Stereo.
“He used to dominate the pitch and dazzle people. He must draw on his Argentine pride if he has any: otherwise it’s better if he devotes himself to something else.
“He’s an all-round playmaker, he has to stay near his opponents’ goal. He would tie into Giampaolo’s game well, but I’ll stop here. If I don’t, I’d be misunderstood.”
Sabatini, who is now sporting director at Sampdoria, was then asked about the Giallorossi and another of his former clubs – Inter.
“I have less and less of a feeling with the Roma team,” he admitted.
“So many players I brought in have left, but Roma will always feel like my own. Zaniolo? I didn’t discover him, nor did I help bring him to Roma.
“I arrived at Inter when everything was already done [for take him to Inter] thanks to Ausilio, just as Monchi deserves credit for taking him to Roma.”