Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi says he will not hold a grudge against Miralem Pjanic, despite his acrimonious move to Juventus.
Roma fans have been incensed by Pjanic's decision to activate a clause in his contract, enabling him to join Juve for a pre-determined fee of €32 million.
Having seen the Bianconeri dominate Italian football for the past five years, Roma fans are angry that their club have strengthened their rivals while weakening their own team.
While De Rossi can understand their resentment, he says he has nothing but affection and respect for his former teammate.
"Since Pjanic arrived at Roma, he's been an exemplary teammate," De Rossi told reporters in Lyon following Italy's 2-0 win over Belgium on Monday night. "He's an impeccable professional and would train even when he was ill, often playing thanks to painkilling injections. I'm only sorry that he's going to strengthen one of our rivals, but I'm always going to like him."
De Rossi added that there are not many players these days who, like he and Roma teammate Francesco Totti, dedicate their entire careers to one club.
"Pjanic isn't a one-club man -- if he were, he would still be playing for Lyon," he said. "Football's not like that nowadays. The club are not responsible in any way for this sale -- his release clause was simply activated. People can think what they want."
Roma have wasted no time in identifying a replacement for Pjanic, with Mario Rui due to arrive on Tuesday from Serie A rivals Empoli.
Rui, 25, has already spoken about joining the Giallorossi.
"It's a great opportunity but let's wait for it to be confirmed first," the midfielder told Corriere dello Sport. "I knew [Roma coach Luciano] Spalletti when I was at Empoli -- he came frequently to watch us training under Maurizio Sarri.
"It's a dream. I've spent the three most beautiful years of my career in Tuscany. I think Roma can challenge for the title, seeing what Spalletti did in the second half of the season. Now they will be even better prepared and ready.
"I don't know if Spalletti noticed me back then at Empoli, but if he's chosen to sign me then I will do what I can to ensure he doesn't feel he has made a mistake. If a great coach like him wants me, I'm extremely honoured."