Shakhtar Donetsk striker Luiz Adriano has admitted that he was desperate to join Roma during the winter transfer window.

After agreeing to allow Mattia Destro move to Serie A rivals AC Milan in January, the Giallorossi made strengthening their forward line their top priority.

Luiz Adriano was their No.1 target but Shakhtar rejected an estimated €13 million bid for the Brazilian and Roma instead decided to acquire Moussa Doumbia from CSKA Moscow and Victor Ibarbo from Cagliari.

"We know that the two clubs failed to reach an agreement and that's why I stayed here," Luiz Adrano toldSky Sport Italia.

"Roma are a team that play good football. They played in the Champions League this season and are still fighting to win the Scudetto.

"We're talking about a club with a great history. It certainly would have pleased me to have been able to wear the Giallorossi shirt.

"It would also have been a great chance to play in a different part of Europe.

"But I will continue to do my best for this squad, as I've always done, and I hope that we can win other trophes, as has happened in the last few years."