Van der Wiel rejects Roma move

Gregory van der Wiel has rejected a move to Roma and said he will only leave Ajax for a team playing in the Champions League next season.

Roma finished seventh in the Serie A table, missing out on a place in European club football’s elite competition in 2012/13.

“It has been suggested, particularly in Italian media, that I have reached an agreement with Roma,” van der Wiel srote on his official website.

“These rumours are not entirely unfounded, but they are still incorrect. My agent Hakim Slimani has spent a day in Rome at the request of Roma and has had a very pleasant meeting with the club.

“Roma would like to buy me from Ajax, but Hakim has told them that I prefer a club that will be playing in the Champions League next season.

“Nevertheless, I feel honoured that they have shown an interest in me. I have thanked Roma for their interest, but at this moment I prefer focusing on the national team and Euro 2012 and after that I will plan my future.”

The 24-year-old defender has also been linked with clubs such as Real Madrid and Valencia.

Van der Wiel’s contract with Ajax runs until the end of the 2012/13 season.