Speaking in a press conference yesterday ahead of Sunday’s clash with PSG, AS Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim pointed the finger at Pietro Pellegri’s former club Genoa for the teenage Italian striker’s ongoing injury woes.
“A lot of times, we kill players. Maybe if people had paid more attention two or three years ago, when Pietro was still forming as a footballer, he would not have all the muscle problems that he does today. But nobody takes responsibility. Someone at the age of 16 is not a miniature adult. We have to respect that. Full bone and muscle maturity comes after the age of 18 or 19. This had to be said, because it can ruin the lives of young players. I am not talking about money. I think we have to be careful during the development of players.”