Roma great Daniele De Rossi has conceded he’s made some “wrong” choices throughout an illustrious playing career.
A graduate of the Roman club’s academy De Rossi has followed the footsteps of his revered teammate and compatriot Francesco Totti by remaining loyal to the club.
The 33-year-old discussed his regrets and aims for the future with Undici magazine, as reported by Football Italia
“The Trigoria training ground is a place I feel incredible affection for,” he said. “Thinking that one day it won’t be part of my daily routine hurts.
“Maybe it will be in other roles, I don’t know, but I can’t think of not seeing Roberto Porreca, the kit manager I’ve known since the youth academy, or the guys in the bar who made me breakfast more times than my grandmother, my mother and wife put together.
“If I think these things, it makes me sad. This is the place where I spent most of my life. One summer I went to empty my locker, because I thought that I was leaving. I was crying my eyes out on the road, despite the fact I wasn’t going to war or anything.”
De Rossi, who has played over 550 matches for the Giallorossi, current deal expires this summer but he is in no hurry to pen a new contract.
“It’s something that sooner or later I will have to face with the club, but I am not thinking about it now and I’ve decided not to talk about it either,” he said.
“I have decided that I want to continue playing for a while. That is without doubt, 100 per cent. I might’ve considered it if I kept getting injured the way I did last year, taken time out to travel the world with my family.
“My only regret about staying at Roma is that I never got to experience the atmosphere in other countries, such as in England or Spain, outside the stadiums. I would’ve liked to know how you live elsewhere.
“I was always fully aware that my career choices were ‘wrong’ on a professional level. They were read as choices of great altruism, of love for the shirt and the fans, but that’s only part of it. The other side is that my choice was very egotistical, because I needed to play for Roma.
“I get physical and emotional pleasure playing with this jersey on my back. The years when I was about to leave, I’d step on to the field with tears in my eyes. Looking around and thinking it might be my last match at the Olimpico…
“Those moments made me realise I couldn’t live without Roma. It would’ve hurt me more than missing out on a Real Madrid- Barcelona experience, or playing in England’s most beautiful stadiums. At least that’s how I view it.
“At the age of 33, I have reached the calm realisation that I’m well aware I haven’t won or travelled that much.”
Still a member of the Italian national team, having made 112 appearances since making his debut against in September 2004 against Norway a game in which he scored the first of 20 international goals, he’s greatest moment is undoubtedly winning the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
However, there’s a tinge of regret from the midfielder, seeing as since that emotional evening in Berlin he’s only added three more pieces of silverware to his collection.
“It’s paradoxical because I won at the age of 22. That means setting you up for a great future and expectations around you. First the European Under-21 Championship, then the bronze medal at the Olympics and boom, World Cup winner.
“Maybe that was my real problem, that I didn’t continue winning. At that moment, my telephone was exploding with calls, every day a new club who wanted me.
“They kept saying this Coach wanted to talk to me, this President was ready to sign a blank cheque. It was wonderful, but at the end of the day I was always aware leaving Roma would make me feel terrible.
“Maybe I could’ve been in a Champions League Final, or a Real Madrid-Barcelona. I always said I wanted to play for Boca Juniors, to be on the field at the Bombonera for Boca-River Plate. It’s the most beautiful stadium in the world.”
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