Cristian Volpato thanks Jose Mourinho for ‘making my Serie A dream come true’ as he leaves Roma

Australian-Italian star Cristian Volpato has thanked Jose Mourinho for allowing him to fulfill his dream to play in Serie A after leaving Roma for Sassuolo.

The Neroverdi announced the signing of the 19-year-old on Saturday with a short statement, confirming Volpato joined alongside fellow Roma youngster Filippo Missori. 

According to Sky Sports Italy, Sassuolo spent $12.2million to sign Volpato, making him the third-most expensive Australian player in history after Harry Souttar and Aaron Mooy.

Leicester spent $26million to sign the Socceroos defender from Stoke City in January, while the recently-retired Mooy cost Huddersfield Town $14million when he signed from Manchester City back in 2007. 

Volpato spent three seasons at Roma, making his senior debut with the Giallorossi under Mourinho two years ago, and took to social media to thank the club and the Portuguese manager. 

The Australian-Italian thanked Jose Mourinho for giving him his Serie A debut in 2021

‘Thank you Roma… I don’t know where to start… I just know that I say thank you for how you welcomed me,’ he said in a lengthy post on Instagram.

‘I arrived that I was a child and together with you I grew up, the road was long… but with you I realised the dream I had… to play in Serie A.

‘I will never forget the emotion of the debut, the warmth of the fans who I will always carry you in my heart! 

‘I particularly want to thank Mister Mourinho, the club and all those who work behind the scenes. You will always be in my heart.’

Born in Sydney to Italian parents, Volpato was released by Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers, having grown up in the neighbouring suburb of Camperdown. 

The A-League teams’ loss was Roma’s gain, as the Aussie earned a trial with the Giallorossi’s academy after being spotted by club’s scouts. 

The Serie A giants tied him down to a three-year and Volpato made his senior debut in December 2021 against Inter Milan, before scoring his first Serie A goal two months later against Hellas Verona.

Last season, he played 10 games in all competitions and again found the net against Hellas Verona, as Roma won 3-1 away in October.

Volpato holds dual citizenship and his performances attracted the interest of Australia boss Graham Arnold, who spoke with the teenager three times in a bid to convince him to represent the Socceroos.

Volpato scored his second Serie A goal in October as Roma beat Hellas Verona 3-1

The Sydney-born winger has represented Italy at Under-20 and Under-21 level but  could still play for the Socceroos if he chose to do so

His efforts ultimately proved futile as the Volpato declined the opportunity to play for Australia at the World Cup in Qatar.

The youngster represented the Azzurri at Under-20 level, but with Italy failing to qualify for the World Cup, the Socceroos hoped to steal a march on the reigning European champions by selecting him in their squad for Qatar.

Volpato made his debut for Italy’s Under-21 team in a friendly against Germany in November, but was not selected for the Under-21 European Championship currently ongoing in Portugal.

Players who are eligible to represent more than one country, can switch allegiances as long as they do so before being called up by a senior national team.