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While much of the Romaverse was focused (justifiably so) on Nicolo Zaniolo and his torn left ACL, the club officially concluded its third bit of transfer business this summer. After signing former Chelsea winger to a three-year free agent deal last month and loaning defender Mert Çetin to Hellas Verona, the club just announced its first official sale of the summer: Aleksandar Kolarov to Inter Milan.
Per Roma's official release, Kolarov is joining Antone Conte's side on a €1.5 million transfer, with a further €500,000 in potential bonuses based on “various milestones reached by both the player and the buying club.”
For their sake, Roma better hope one of those milestones isn't X amount of smiles per season, otherwise they're fucked.
| ANNUNCIO
— Inter (@Inter) September 8, 2020
Aleksandar #Kolarov è un nuovo giocatore dell'Inter! ⚫️
https://t.co/fss4C9gU2n#WelcomeKolarov #NotForEveryone pic.twitter.com/3HjmxqAATJ
Signed in the summer of 2017 for €5 million from Manchester City, Kolarov made an immediate impact for his new club, scoring the match winning goal against Atalanta on his debut in August of 2017. Kolarov would go on to make over 100 appearances for the Giallorossi, scoring 19 goals and providing 17 assists during his three-year stay in the capital.
Known for his gruff exterior, tireless work rate and precision free-kicks, Kolarov not only leaves Roma as a surprising fan favorite (he did play for Lazio after all) but as arguably one of the best purchases of the Pallotta era.
With the soon to be 35-year-old off to the San Siro, Roma's left-back duties may fall on the slim shoulders of young Riccardo Calafiori, who the club are reportedly looking to lock down with a new contract as we speak.
So, best of luck Aleks. Take it easy on Roma and give Juve hell!