Former Sampdoria and England defender Des Walker revealed he was close to signing for Roma and Juventus but since Nottingham Forest declined the Bianconeri spent the money on Roberto Baggio.

Des Walker revealed that he was close to joining Roma in April of 1990, a couple of months before the iconic FIFA World Cup tournament in Italy.

However, Nottingham Forest declined the offer. As they did when Juventus came knocking after Italia 90, with the Bianconeri spending the money saved on his transfer a certain Roberto Baggio.

Furthermore, Walker revealed the backstory of when he signed for Sampdoria where Roberto Mancini was an integral part of that transfer.

Walker made these statements in an interview with the The Italian Football Podcast, at an online event hosted by TalkSPORT Bet Online Slots.

Des Walker: ‘Close To Roma & Juve – Who Signed Roberto Baggio Instead’

“Before the tournament [FIFA World Cup 1990 in Italy] Roma had put in a bid for me. It was probably around April but [Nottingham] Forest had turned it down.

“After the tournament I spoke to both Mr Agnelli and Montezemolo for Juventus. So they put in quite a few bids to Forest but Forest kept turning them down.

“Eventually they [Juventus] put in a bid of £6 million which Forest turned down. Then they bought Roberto Baggio for £7 million. One of the best players of all time.

“It surprised me that Forest turned it down but Forest only turned it down because the fans were rebelling a little bit. Because they had said that ‘he’s not going’ but then behind their backs they were actually selling me.

“It got a bit messy so that’s why I ended up staying. However, I had a clause in my contract that in two years time I could leave. So I ended up waiting two years and ended up going to Sampdoria” Walker mused.

Des Walker – ‘Mancini Was The Manager At Sampdoria Not Sven-Göran Eriksson’

“I had a clause that said I could go for £1.5 million. And I had offers from quite a few different clubs” Walker began about the move to the Blucerchiati.

“I knew the Sampdoria team, I had watched them and they were fantastic. I signed for them at the Christmas time really. Since I had a clause that Forrest had to release me as long as they paid £1.5 million.

“You had people like Lombardo, Mancini, Vierchowood and Vialli who left just as I signed. Fantastic footballers. It was a no brainer for me to go to Sampdroia.

“I think [Vujadin] Boskov was going to sign me anyhow. And to be perfectly truthful I think Mancini dictated a lot who came into that football club.

“Regardless of if it was Boskov or Eriksson who were the coach, I had played against Mancini a couple of times, so I think he had a big influence into me coming.

“Between me and you I think he [Mancini] was the manager when I was there” Walker laughed.

Des Walker played one season in the Serie A at Sampdoria where he shared a dressing room with Roberto Mancini. Walker joined the Blucerchiati ahead of the 92/93 season featuring 32 games across all competitions.

Former Sampdoria and England defender Des Walker believes former teammate Roberto Mancini was the best teammate he’s had, backing him for a return as the Italy national team coach.

Des Walker backs former teammate Roberto Mancini to return as the Azzurri head coach because his great understanding of the game.

However, many who have criticized a potential return to the national team for Mancini. But former Nottingham Forest defender believes that you need a manager who has clear ideas who knows what he wants.

Furthermore, Walker stated that Mancini is the most talented teammate he has ever had, adding that his awareness was unbelievable.

Walker made these statements in an interview with the The Italian Football Podcast, at an online event hosted by BetVictor.

Des Walker Backs Roberto Mancini Italy Return: “Understands The Game Really Well”

“He understands the football game. He is his own man. He does things his own way and has his views. He has managed Italy before so they know his style, they know his views, they know his ways.

“If they are gonna employ him again then that’s what they want. Very rarely do you get a national team manager that gets a re-run. So you’ve had a test of him already. That’s must be what they want” Walker began.

“But having played with Robby he understand the game really well. He knows what he wants. he knows how he wants to play. He’s not scared to go against anybody or to implement what he wants.

“I think you need that as a manager. You need one manager and you need him to go his way.

“Between me and you I think he was already the manager when I was at [Sampdoria]” Walker continued.

Des Walker – Mancini “The Most Talented Teammate I’ve Had By A Long Way”

“He was the most talented [teammate I ever had] by a long way. The things he did in training defied logic. I played with Nigel Clough.

“He had an a great awareness of everyone around him. However, Mancini was still 30% better. Most of the times he never looked. He just knew where every player was.

“His skill-level was another level. In training it was difficult enough but in games, some of the things he did was frightening” Walker concluded.

Des Walker played one season in the Serie A at Sampdoria where he shared a dressing room with Roberto Mancini. Walker joined the Blucerchiati ahead of the 92/93 season featuring 32 games across all competitions.