Monza midfielder and former Roma youth prospect José Machín reflected on his time at the club ahead of his side’s league clash against Lazio.
The 26 year-old originally joined the Giallorossi’s Primavera side in January 2015, completing a move from Malaga. After multiple loan stints, Machín left Roma in 2018 before ultimately joining Monza in 2020.
“If I had to pick a point of reference for a variety of reasons I’d say it’s Daniele De Rossi,” the midfielder told Corriere dello Sport.
“His role on the pitch is similar to mine but also because of the charisma and leadership characteristics he always displayed during his time at Roma.”
“Even though I only managed a few call-ups to the first team, being on the bench near the likes of Daniele and Totti really lifted me.”
He added, “A few years later, my second appearance in Serie A just happened to be when Parma faced Roma: the day De Rossi said goodbye to the club. Even though I returned as an opponent, it seemed like destiny.”
“Scoring against Lazio this weekend? Certainly it’d be special given all the Derbies I participated in during my time with Roma’s Primavera side.”
“Maybe it would’ve been better to face them before the international break. They’re a strong team and in the running for a Champions League place.”