Bernardeschi snubbed Gasperini for Toronto FC move: ‘80%’ about money

BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna FC celebrates after scoring the opening purpose through the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Udinese Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photograph by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Pictures)

Bologna winger Federico Bernardeschi reveals Gian Piero Gasperini needed to carry him to Atalanta in 2022 when he finally joined Toronto FC from Juventus: ‘ I admit cash influenced my determination for 80%.’

Bologna winger Bernardeschi launched an interview with Gazzetta just some days earlier than the Rossoblu’s Europa League assembly with Roma within the Europa League Spherical of 16.

Bernardeschi returned to Serie A final summer season after spending three years at Toronto FC.

Bernardeschi: ‘No simple video games’ in Serie A

“I’ve discovered a distinct Serie A soccer; now even the smaller groups are extra outfitted; know-how helps everybody, and everyone seems to be organised,” the Italian mentioned.

“There’s by no means a simple sport, at any stage, from race for survival to Europe.”

The primary leg between Roma and Bologna will likely be performed on the Dall’Ara this coming Thursday, however the Giallorossi will likely be with out Paulo Dybala, a former teammate of Bernardeschi at Juventus.

“I’m sorry for Paulo, I’d have been blissful to problem him, even when it’s all the time higher to not play towards his left foot,” admitted Bernardeschi.

“However I’ll be glad to see many Azzurri associates. After I joined Juventus, I requested if I may get the no. 10. They mentioned I used to be too younger and will have waited a 12 months. Then Dybala took it, who was already in his third 12 months. I might have most well-liked to face a overseas membership, as a result of, as an Italian, I’d have been happier to see two Italian groups go so far as potential.”

Bernardeschi’s transfer to Bologna raised eyebrows over the summer season, with some within the media suggesting he was now not appropriate for Italian soccer after such an extended spell in Canada.

Bernardeschi, then again, has scored 5 targets and supplied one help in 32 appearances and has by no means had doubts about his skill to make an influence on the Dall’Ara.

“I do know myself. I didn’t go to Canada to take a stroll within the park,” he mentioned.

“I put most dedication into all the pieces I do, even when I admit cash influenced my determination for 80%, and the remaining 20% was a life selection. I’ve all the time skilled and cared for my physique meticulously. I’ve realized from Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus how one can be knowledgeable in all facets and be an amazing skilled. In Bologna, I took a month to readjust. I suffered a knee damage and was compelled to skip pre-season. However my bodily figures had been excessive within the MLS, and I knew I used to be aggressive.”

Bernardeschi may have even performed underneath Gasperini at Atalanta.

“He known as me earlier than transferring to Toronto, and I used to be tempted, however then I made a distinct selection. I don’t remorse it, however I might have cherished to work with him; I knew I may add a chunk to my profession,” the winger concluded.

“Roma regarded for me after I was at Juventus, however I mentioned no. I used to be blissful in Turin, and I nonetheless have a home there, the place I’m Yildiz’s neighbour.”

Supply: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, March 10, 2026, web page 24.

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