Leandro Castan remains in the hearts of all Roma fans.
The now former Brazilian defender wore the Giallorossi jersey from 2012 to 2016, making 72 appearances and one goal.
His career was cut short by a brain tumor, and since 2014, his time in the capital has seen decidedly more lows than highs.
The former Brazilian footballer, now a coach in his home country, gave an interview to Il Corriere dello Sport: “I was at the peak of my career in 2014. That’s also why I’m a coach: the tumor took things from me, and I’d like to get them back on the bench. I lost everything in an instant, but I think I can teach the kids that they are men first, and footballers second. I started in São Paulo at Real Soccer, near my home. I coach the Under-20s, and I think it’s right to start with the kids.”
Castan then recounted Spalletti’s decision to omit him from the starting lineup after that famous performance against Verona: “I didn’t question Spalletti’s decision, which was legitimate, but his brusque manner. That said, he was and remains one of the best coaches I’ve ever had.”
The 1986-born defender then added: “I take inspiration from Tite and Rudi Garcia, especially their human approach. And also a little from De Rossi: Daniele is a friend, he’s only just started, but he’s a role model for what he’s doing.” The Brazilian continued talking about Gasperini’s Roma: “I would have had so much fun with Gasperini and his three-man defense, one-on-one. Maybe I would have gotten a few yellow cards, but I can’t think about that today because I can’t run like that. But I really like him, and for a defender like me, it would have been fantastic. Roma lacks nothing, they have everything. They just need to isolate themselves. Don’t listen to what’s being said outside Trigoria and don’t let the things that happen at the training center get out. And then there’s the pressure… Let’s be clear: Roma is magnificent, if you can’t handle it, you’ll end up in the third division. In any case, they have a lot of good players now, starting with Svilar and then Wesley.”
