Classy Portsmouth boss refuses to gloat over relegated Cardiff man – despite Fratton Park snub.
The former Blues loanee will be in League One next season after rejecting the south coast move.
John Mousinho has defended Alex Robertson’s costly snub to Pompey.
And the classy Blues coach refuses to take pleasure in the fact that the Australian will now play in League One next season.
Robertson rejected a permanent move to Fratton Park in August 2024, despite Manchester City accepting a bid.
Pompey’s manager will not be celebrating Robertson’s decision to join Cardiff.
Mousinho: Alex Robertson was not motivated by money.
Mousinho told The News that players make decisions based on all available facts. With the benefit of hindsight, you can reflect on all of these experiences as a player and a club.
“I’ve been in that situation as a player; you just don’t know. You make your decision based on all of the facts in front of you.
‘We can say whatever we want about Alex, but I know it was not driven by finance or money. I spoke with him about it, and he was very open about his expectations and where he wanted to go as a footballer.
‘Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not.’
Despite Cardiff’s relegation, he remains a star performer.
Robertson scored four goals in 39 Cardiff appearances this season and was widely regarded as one of the club’s best performers, regardless of relegation.
The 22-year-old, a regular starter, was in the starting lineup for their final day 5-2 defeat at Norwich, despite the fact that their relegation fate had already been sealed the week before.
It remains to be seen where his future lies, with the Australian contracted for another three years and clearly playing at a higher level than League One, as the Fratton faithful will attest.
He appeared 27 times for Pompey in their League One title-winning campaign, scoring once, despite being sidelined for the second half due to injury.
Robertson suffered a hamstring injury in training in January 2024, necessitating surgery, and never played for the Blues again.
Regardless, the Manchester City loanee had an outstanding breakthrough season, and Pompey were eager to bring him back to Fratton Park – but he chose Cardiff.
Portsmouth manager: Loanees gave absolutely everything.
Mousinho had also expressed interest in reuniting with fellow loanees Tino Anjorin and Abu Kamara ahead of their first Championship campaign in 12 years.
However, Norwich sold Kamara to Hull for £4.5 million, and Anjorin signed a three-year contract with Italian Serie A club Empoli.
Kamara, of course, finished the season at Fratton Park, albeit in the Tigers’ side, as they avoided relegation on the final day thanks to a 1-1 draw.
Portsmouth’s chief explains why the eight-month wait to see the forgotten signing will be worthwhile.
And, touchingly, Pompey fans greeted the winger warmly in recognition of his impressive 2023-24 record with the club.
Mousinho went on to say, “All I know about those two lads (Robertson and Kamara) is that, when they were here, they gave absolutely everything for Pompey, which I am very grateful for.”
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