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Spalletti praises Çelik as 'warrior' after Juventus move; Roma left with broken verbal renewal deal
·17 July 2026·90d ago

Spalletti praises Çelik as 'warrior' after Juventus move; Roma left with broken verbal renewal deal

Source: Forza Roma

Zeki Çelik has joined Juventus, leaving AS Roma to rue a failed verbal agreement over a contract renewal. The defender's departure to the Turin club prompted comment from Luciano Spalletti, the former Roma head coach, who spoke in a press conference about the Turkish full-back's qualities. Spalletti said: "Çelik is a player of character, reliable. With a warrior's character. I think it was a good idea for Juventus to bring him in. He will certainly have no problems settling in; he is an experienced player, a very good lad that everyone in football knows. He will integrate easily."

Roma had been working toward keeping Çelik at the Stadio Olimpico on revised terms, but the move collapsed and Juventus capitalised on the opportunity. Spalletti, who managed Roma until recently, also commented on Massara's work in the transfer market, stating: "I have worked with him and know his top level as a director."

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Zeki Çelik has completed his departure from AS Roma, joining Juventus on a free transfer after his contract expired in June. In his first interview with the Serie A champions, the Turkish defender expressed immediate satisfaction with the move, emphasizing his happiness and enthusiasm about the transfer. Forza Roma reports that Çelik has quickly integrated into Juventus's squad and coaching staff environment, bonding immediately with teammates. He pledged to deliver maximum effort and passion while pursuing the club's objectives.

Meanwhile, Cult of Calcio reports that Roma have begun searching for a right-back replacement, identifying Nahuel Molina of Atlético Madrid and Fiorentina's Dodo as primary targets. Both defenders have contracts expiring next summer, potentially enabling Roma to negotiate favorable terms. The outlet notes that Wesley Franca could provide cover at right wing if needed. Roma's pursuit of Champions League football for the first time in eight years has made squad reinforcement urgent before the transfer window closes, though Inter have also shown interest in Dodo, adding competitive pressure to negotiations.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

“Zeki Celik da ieri è un nuovo giocatore della Juventus, beffata la Roma che aveva un accordo verbale per il rinnovo del contratto. Luciano Spalletti in conferenza stampa ha parlato del turco, queste le sue parole: "Celik è un giocatore di carattere, affidabile. Con un carattere da guerriero. Penso…”

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

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