The Roma chapter of Daniele De Rossi’s career come to an abrupt end. Yesterday morning, the relationship between the now-former Roma coach and the American ownership of the Friedkin family – who arrived in Italy on Monday – deteriorated rapidly, with CEO Lina Souloukou playing a pivotal role in the split. Calciomercato report how since last night, former Torino coach Ivan Juric has taken the reins at Trigoria, but the departure of the man once known as “Captain Future” has inevitably shaken the entire Roma world, from furious fans to supportive players and long-time club employees.
De Rossi had put his “heart and soul” into Roma, as they say in the city. His decision to accept this coaching adventure was made more with his heart than his head. Mourinho’s dismissal, a fan favorite, left no room for error, but De Rossi’s love for the club combined with his ambitious nature led him to accept the challenge. This is why, after renewing his contract last June, he expected different treatment. Instead, the cold official statement announcing his dismissal left him with a bitter taste.
The club’s statement, particularly the part referring to the “interest of the team,” struck De Rossi hard. It read: “AS Roma announces that Daniele De Rossi has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the First Team. The Club’s decision is taken in the interest of the team, to promptly resume the desired path, at a time when the season is still at its beginning. To Daniele, who will always be at home in the Giallorossi Club, a heartfelt thank you for the work done in these months with passion and dedication.”
Calciomercato detail how as he emptied his locker and spoke with the employees present at Trigoria, De Rossi, almost in tears, let slip the emotional phrase no one wanted to hear: “This time, I’m not coming back to Roma…” His words were accompanied by a lump in his throat and a bitter smile of someone who knows how painful such a great love can be.
