When In Rome… Bastos’ Debut Blunder

WHEN in Rome, do as the Romans do, they say. However, Michel Bastos may have taken that a bit far and landed himself in hot water in the process.

The Brazilian winger has signed for Serie A side Roma and was unveiled last night at their home ground Stadio Olimpico, which they share with fierce rivals Lazio, prior to their Coppa Italia quarter-final tie against Juventus.

Roma were hoping the new signing from United Arab Emirates side Al Ain would give them a boost in the Serie A title race as they currently sit eight points behind leaders Juve.

Instead, the new addition has so far led to the club having to issue a public apology after the former Schalke and Lyon man held up a scarf that was thrown from the crowd.

Unfortunately for Bastos, said scarf had “Lazio Merda” written on it which translates as “Lazio S***”.

The 30-year-old may have become an instant hit with the Roma fans but officials at the club are bound to be a little less impressed.

A statement from Roma said: “Bastos has shown a scarf thrown by the fans without knowing the message it had.

“The club and Michel would like to apologise for what took place.”

Luckily for Mr Bastos, his new employers beat the Old Lady 1-0 to go through to the semi-finals where he’ll hope to make headlines on the pitch, rather than off it!