Miralem Pjanic has assured Roma fans that he will not be leaving in the summer, saying a new contract will be signed but at the moment he is focused on the title run-in.
The Bosnian midfielder celebrated his 24th birthday on Wednesday with a goal in Roma’s 4-2 win over Parma. That result reduces the Giallorossi’s deficit on league-leading Juventus to eight points, while the Bianconeri must still pay the capital a visit next month.
With Roma therefore still believing in their chances of snatching the Scudetto this season, there is no time for Pjanic to sit down and discuss terms on an extension to his contract, which expires in 2015, but he insists he is not stalling due to insecurity.
“I’m certain it will be extended, I just don’t know when exactly,” Pjanic told reporters in Rome on Wednesday night. “I’ve spoken with the coach and both he and the club know that I’m focusing on my football right now. We’ll talk about it. It takes time, but I’m delighted here and I want to reaffirm that.”
Pjanic’s priority is ensuring something historic happens over the final seven games of the Serie A season with the eight-point gap to Juve, who were beaten 2-0 by Napoli at the weekend, anything but insurmountable.
“It’s not over yet,” Pjanic said. “There are still 21 points play for and some big games to come. We’re all aiming for the top. We’re not looking over our shoulders, even if Napoli are also playing a great season.
“Compliments to Juve for the season they’re having, but we’re not giving up. We’re going to try to get as many points as possible.”
Roma will try to chip at least two more points off Juve’s advantage between now and the penultimate game of the season, when they host Antonio Conte’s men at the Stadio Olimpico. Victory there could then see the title decided on the final day of the season when Juve host Cagliari and Roma travel to Genoa.