Roma manager Claudio Ranieri spoke today ahead of this weekend’s penultimate match of the season and the final one for Daniele De Rossi at Roma. These are his words:
What sort of atmosphere do you expect to find at the Olimpico for the final match of De Rossi?
I hope there is the atmosphere that Daniele deserves. Seeing the stadium filled with love for him, it must be a celebration for Daniele.
Will he start or enter as a substitute?
No he will play from the first minute wearing the armband. It must be celebration.
What’s special about De Rossi?
He expresses himself with his passion for the shirt, whether it be for the Azzurri or Roma. We see his desire to do well and work hard. It doesn’t mean he always plays well, but he always gives 100%. He is a point of reference for those in the dressing room and makes it possible for players, especially younger ones, to lean on him during tough times.
Your future?
I feel like a manager, so if there’s a project in Europe that intrigues me then that’s where I’ll go. It’s always emotional for me to lead out Roma, or to watch them. My heart is with this club, I’ll leave this team with the hope that they can keep getting better and better.