Roma attacker Andrea Belotti has extended his contract with the capital club until 2025.
The Giallorossi announced this extension via their official website, sharing a lengthy interview with Belotti.
“It feels amazing. When I first came to Trigoria the magnitude of this team, the Romanisti, and the city of Rome really hit me. You have to be on the inside to fully experience this. I’m so proud to be part of the club. I see this contract extension as a logical continuation of the journey which I began here a year ago.”
“I’d like to thank Tiago Pinto for giving me the opportunity to play for Roma, the coach and his staff for providing me the best conditions in which to work and showing faith in me, as well as my team-mates for making me feel part of the family from the get-go.”
“I joined Roma just as the summer transfer window was closing so it could’ve been difficult to bed in. However the kindness and the willingness to help shown by my team-mates, who proved themselves first and foremost to be great people, allowed me to settle in quickly. The transition was seamless.”
“That match was crucial because it led us to reaching the Europa League. We were so close to winning it last season and I hope in 2023-24 we’ll be able to claim the trophy.”
“Thanking our fans that day was the least we could’ve done for them, for all of their support and love they’ve given us in each and every game, be it in the Coppa Italia, Serie A or the Europa League. They’ve always made their presence felt both at every sold-out match at the Olimpico and on the road, including for the final in Budapest to which they came in huge numbers.”
“I think that our fans have taken on board the way I see and experience football, and how I give my all in every game. I sweat blood and tears and they appreciate that. All I can do is to try to repay the love they’ve shown for me by constantly attempting to up my performances, bettering myself every day in every regard.”
“Indeed, the lads were always up to the task, through thick and thin, throughout the campaign. It goes without saying that the strength of this team is our unity. Every time a player ended up on the treatment table they’d give their heart and soul to get back into action as soon as possible. This is clear proof that each and every one of us is ready to put themselves on the line for Roma.”
“I think that in both good times and bad we’ve always stuck by each other. I’d define Roma as a family because ever since I joined the club I’ve seen that this sense of togetherness isn’t just confined to the players – it includes the coaching staff, the physios, directors and kitmen. We’re a huge family in which everyone is willing to make their contributions.”
“I never thought twice about stepping up. It felt natural because my number one priority was to help out my fellow players, even if I was in pain, and that broken rib was especially difficult to bear.”
“The coach’s recognition of my endeavours meant a tremendous amount to me, because he truly realised the efforts I was making to help the team.”
“The hug we shared at the Olimpico when I came off against Inter is something I’ll remember forever because it was borne out of love and sincerity. I was proud of myself for the sacrifice I showed and it also made me appreciate our coach even more, because aside from all of the trophies he’s won there aren’t many people out there with Mourinho’s human touch.”
“Mourinho is a born winner. He hammers home the importance of succeeding and he instils a winning mentality for every game. He’s also got a great rapport with the lads. When you think that you’ll give 100% he’s capable of extracting an additional 30% out of you. He’s able to push your limits pretty far.”
“There have been times in which we’ve been despondent but we’ve never thrown in the towel. Even after losing the final in Budapest we didn’t let it get to us and we went on to win our final home game of the season in front of our fans. We’ll never succumb to feeling hopeless and resigned.”
“Bono’s save in the Europa League final? That would’ve been a perfect way to round off the season but unfortunately their keeper did a great job, he didn’t even let it go out for a corner. I’ve been left to imagine how things would’ve been had the ball gone in.”
“In terms of stats it wasn’t a good campaign for me, but it is what it is. The only way to turn things around is by digging deep every day.”
“There are many things that stick in my mind from my first season here. One that sticks in mind which I’ll forever remember is the second leg at home of the Feyenoord tie. Their fans weren’t allowed to attend and so for the first time I saw the entire Olimpico in yellow and red. I can clearly recall when the anthem was played, seeing the whole stadium packed to the rafters. That moment gave me goosebumps.”
“The fans? They’re incredible. I’d like to thank them for all the support that they’ve given us and which I’m sure they’ll always give for this club. All we can do is go onto the pitch with the sole aim of giving them joy, doing our best to conquer trophies and bring them happiness.”
