Roma have confirmed Tiago Pinto will leave his role with the club by mutual consent in February, after the final transfer window he will oversee for them.
Pinto was one of the first major appointments made during the Friedkin ownership, taking the reins as general manager in January 2021 after previously working for Benfica.
The Portuguese director was influential in bringing his compatriot Jose Mourinho to the club as head coach later that year, teeing up a transfer window that included the expensive signing of Tammy Abraham among others, before a season that culminated in Roma winning the Europa Conference League.
Pinto’s record in the transfer market was hit and miss, though. The general consensus is that he was good at offloading players – the tireless effort to avoid major exits in the summer of 2023 despite harsh observations by UEFA springing to mind – but less so at identifying talents to come in.
The current January transfer window – in which Roma barely have any wiggle room financially – will be Pinto’s last before he steps down officially on 3rd February, it has now been confirmed.
The Friedkins have promised to announce a new sporting director to take over from Pinto in the coming weeks.
Tiago Pinto explains Roma exit
Pinto himself said on asroma.com: “After three years, I believe that my cycle in Rome has come to an end, and, as my departure approaches, I would like to thank all those who made my stay at the club and in this city so special.
“First of all, the Friedkin family, who trusted me with this unique opportunity to serve a historical club in a country where football is a passion and tradition.
“I would also like to express my gratitude towards the coaches, players, collaborators, and all those people who supported me in restructuring the sports area. Together, we shared the responsibility and privilege of working for such a precious club, Roma.
“Lastly, I would like to devote a thought to two protagonists that, in certain aspects, together represent the past, the present, and the future of AS Roma. I’m referring to Roma supporters and the youth sector. The images of our boys being supported by our fans reminded me of the Giallorossi family’s meaning and made me so proud to have been a part of it.”
Pinto was due to reach the end of his contract with Roma at the end of the season anyway. Now, the club will accelerate their search for his successor.
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