Former Roma centre-back Leandro Castan – who served the club from 2012 to 2018 despite undergoing severe brain surgery and missing most of the 2014/15 season – was interviewed by L’Interista ahead of tonight’s Coppa Italia match-up between Roma and Inter.
The Brazilian international talked about his past in the capital as well as the current Giallorossi campaign.
“I’ll carry with me several memories from my time in Rome. The second season was fantastic, it made me dream. Roma made me a top player.”
“This club made me experience things that I never even imagined as a boy. As I said, I will always be grateful to God for what I have lived and for bringing me all the way to Rome. I have an affection and gratitude for Roma that will last forever.”
“When I’m at home and Roma are playing, I try to find the time to watch their games.”
“What I can say right now is that Roma are missing a bit of identity. When players who have an attachment to the shirt are gone, this element is lost. The club has changed, now there is a great coach. The fans deserve more, I’m sure that joy will soon come and Roma will be strong again.”
On Pellegrini wearing the captain’s armband:
“I have known Lorenzo since he was a child, since he came to train with us from the Primavera. When I see him captain I realize how old I am.”
“I like to see him with the armband, he knows what this club means. It is a great responsibility, but he is a decent guy, this armband is very heavy but it’s in good hands.”
“I don’t know what happened this summer when we lost Dzeko. He was one of those who gave the team an identity, I would have kept him all my life because he is very strong and a very good person. I’m sorry to see him in a team other than Roma. I wish him the best, but tonight I hope the Giallorossi win.”
