Michael Bradley Would ‘Have no Fear’ About Playing for AS Roma, Agent Says

Michael Bradley will close an excellent first season in Italian soccer by patrolling the midfield for Chievo Verona this weekend. It could be his last appearance with the club.

Bradley’s agent is stirring the transfer rumor pot, saying the player is ready to challenge himself at one of Italy’s leading clubs, according to Football Italia.

“Roma are a great club,” Football Italia reports Alberto Faccini told Forza Roma. “However, nobody has called me from Trigoria and Chievo haven’t made me aware of any interest from other clubs.”

“We are talking about a player who has over 50 caps,” Faccini said of the U.S. international. “He’s also played in Holland and Germany. He’s had a great season and he would have no fear in testing himself in an environment like that in Rome.”

Bradley joined Chievo from German club Borussia Monchengladbach last summer. He became an instant starter, making 35 appearances in all competions (starting all but one game). He earned widespread praise in the Italian media for his all-action displays in central midfield, and Chievo fans call affectionately call him “the General.”

The 24-year-old helped the modest club avoid relegation from Italy’s Serie A, and the speculation about his future has begun.

Roma was reportedly interested in his services before he moved to Chievo. The storied Italian club has American owners, and it is believed they want to bring a U.S. national team star to the capital city.

Bradley has made 63 appearances and scored nine goals for his country.

It appears his career is firmly on track, after he struggled for playing time at Aston Villa and Monchengladbach in the 2010-11 season.

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Thumbnail photo via Flickr/Sang Juventino