Indonesia immigration rules denied Seydou
Doumbia, Gervinho, Victor Ibarbo, Adem Ljajic and Antonio Sanabria from
entering the country for pre-season duties
The
Giallorossi touched down in Jakarta early on Friday to continue their
preparations for the 2015-16 campaign, following their International Champions
Cup exploits in Australia.
However,
Indonesia immigration officials deemed that Gervinho, Seydou Doumbia, Victor
Ibarbo, Adem Ljajic and Antonio Sanabria did not have the sufficient visa
requirements to enter the country and, after the squad were delayed at the
airport, the five players returned to the Italian capital.
"It's
an honour to be here in Indonesia but we apologise for our delay," Roma
CEO Italo Zanzi later told reporters. "We had an unfortunate situation at
the airport that was very frustrating as five of our players were not allowed
in the country.
"They
are now on their way back to Rome. It's a real disappointment for us, given
that we've made a substantial effort to be here.
"Despite
some of the issues with local football, we organised 'AS Roma Indonesia Day
2015' and we wanted our full team to be here. Unfortunately that now won't be
the case and it's not a positive thing for the players, for the club - who did
everything that we were asked to do – but, most importantly, for the Indonesian
fans because they are why we are here.
"But
this frustrating situation aside, we will continue to make this as positive an
experience as possible for the club, for Indonesia and, most importantly, for
our Indonesian fans."
Radja
Nainggolan, meanwhile - whose father was born in Indonesia - was thrilled at
the chance to return to the country.
"I'm
glad to be back," he said. "I first visited Indonesia two years ago
and I'm happy to be here now. The first time I came, I received a lot of
affection and since then it's become more and more. It's a special country for
me."
Roma are
now due to play an exhibition match between two XIs from the squad for the
local supporters on Saturday, having cancelled an earlier coaching clinic and
trained behind closed doors.

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