London: Had AS Roma waited just two more months, it is likely they would have been able to prise far more than 拢36.9 million ($55.4 million) from Liverpool for Mohamed Salah.
With his 41 goals in a remarkable debut season at Anfield, the Egyptian has become an absolute bargain given the subsequent fees paid for Neymar, who cost Paris Saint-Germain 拢200 million, and even Reds playmaker Philippe Coutinho, bought by Barcelona for 拢142 million.
But AS Roma chief executive Umberto Gandini admits hindsight was a luxury they could not afford at that time with possible Financial Fair Play penalties requiring them to conclude a sale by the end of June 鈥� and Salah eager to test himself again in the English Premier League after previous struggles at Chelsea.
And there are no regrets, he says, despite admitting Salah is destined to be a world-beater and now stands between his former club and a place in the Champions League final.
鈥淢omo was fantastic with us, gave us a big help on and off the pitch in many aspects,鈥� reflected Gandini ahead of Roma鈥檚 semifinal first-leg tie at Anfield tomorrow.
鈥淢aybe he would have been worth more had we waited, but we were in a situation where we had to do the deal in certain limits and no one could anticipate the market would go crazy as it did.
鈥淏ut also I think yes, he wanted to prove something in the Premier League again. He鈥檚 a very proud person and had a lot of improvements in the two seasons with us.

鈥淏ut he wanted to have another chance in the Premier League and deserved it. He was an excellent person with us, a dedicated professional and loved by all in the team and the fans. He will get a great reception when we play them.
鈥淗e鈥檚 in a situation now where he鈥檚 having a gifted season 鈥� anything he tries goes well. If I have to say he exceeded all the expectations, then yes, he鈥檚 overachieving by far.鈥�
But Gandini is convinced Salah, 25, can get even better. During 23 years with AC Milan, where he was a director, he witnessed a trophy-laden period, including three Champions League titles, and worked with legends such as Paolo Maldini, Andriy Shevchenko and Kaka.
And Gandini told Arab News: 鈥淢omo can be at that best level. He鈥檚 proved it this season, he鈥檚 found consistency. This Liverpool team, this system is helping him blossom at the top level.
鈥淗e鈥檚 very unique. Someone like Kaka was more creative, but Momo is pretty much in the same class, wants to be one of the best in the world and deserves success.鈥� Gandini, though, is hoping Roma can sour Salah鈥檚 reunion as the Serie A side bid to avenge a 1984 final defeat, where Liverpool upset them on penalties at their Stadio Olimpico home.
In 2005, Gandini suffered against the Reds with Milan as Liverpool famously came back from 3-0 down at halftime to claim success on spot-kicks in Istanbul.
鈥淚t鈥檚 part of the book of history,鈥� he said. 鈥淲ith Milan, we had our revenge in 2007 and my account was settled. Now here鈥檚 the history of the Rome final in 1984. It鈥檚 what the club and city feels and we are now bonded for settling another account.鈥�
Beating Barcelona by overturning a three-goal deficit in a dramatic last-eight second leg tie has certainly given the Giallorossi belief.
With Brazilian keeper Alisson 鈥� wanted by Liverpool and Real Madrid 鈥� striker Edin Dzeko and inspirational skipper Daniele De Rossi, Gandini said the squad has skill and spirit. 鈥淲e have a great team of personalities and characters. De Rossi is one of the silent leaders but says the right words at the right time. For him after so long and the club it will be special to get to the final and win this trophy.
鈥淒zeko is a team player, fantastic. The way he played in Barcelona was a masterpiece.
鈥淎lisson is in a class by himself in my opinion. I think he was born to be No. 1 in the world. With his calmness, quickness, dedication, he reminds me of Nelson Dida, another Brazilian I worked with at Milan. 鈥淚t鈥檚 normal teams are linked, but he鈥檚 under contract and the club are not willing to let him go.鈥�
And with plans approved for a new 55,000 stadium to be open by 2020, Roma want to keep their best players to challenge Europe鈥檚 elite.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a statement about what club president Mr.[James] Pallotta is doing with his ownership, it鈥檚 coming to fruition,鈥� added Gandini.
鈥淥n one side we are on par with these teams, but the big, big difference is in terms of budget, to buy players and investment.
鈥淲hen you look at the number of global brands in football they are concentrated on teams who are performing on the pitch. Hopefully we can grow more. We cannot be everyone鈥檚 favorite team, but can be the second favorite team.鈥�