Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini has given a candid interview to Corriere dello Sport, addressing recent controversies, his commitment to the club, and his thoughts on the future. The midfielder spoke openly about the shock of Jose Mourinho’s dismissal, his relationship with current manager Claudio Ranieri, and rumours surrounding his own future at the club.
Reflecting on Mourinho’s departure a year ago, Pellegrini revealed, “It was a shock because no one imagined it. It wasn’t a good moment for us. At the end of November, we read that they wanted to sack him. We went to Tiago Pinto to ask if it was true and explained that there was no need to send him away. We wanted to continue with him.”
Addressing his role as captain, Pellegrini stated, “The captain’s armband weighs, but it hasn’t changed me one bit, nor made me more responsible. Because I’ve always taken Roma very seriously. I’m now in my eighth year, but I’ve been training at Trigoria, which is home, since I was 9 years old.”
Pellegrini also tackled rumors of discord within the team, particularly regarding his relationships with former managers. “The rumors of betraying Mourinho and De Rossi are pure science fiction, inventions of those who have no idea about the relationship I had and still have with them,” he asserted.
On his future with Roma, Pellegrini remained open but committed: “I avoid thinking that this could be my last year at Roma. I let the pitch decide. I’m very fatalistic and always try to be positive. I assure you that as long as I have the opportunity to wear the shirt of my Roma, I will do so giving my all, even more, as I have always done.”
The midfielder also addressed recent criticism and fan reactions: “The results have worsened the general atmosphere. And then a mountain of nonsense, lies spread around to provide people with one or more culprits. But culprits of what? Only of the results.”
Regarding his relationship with teammate Paulo Dybala, Pellegrini dismissed any notion of jealousy: “Never. Paulo is a player I greatly esteem, and he’s the first to know it. There’s one like him in ten million. When he’s well, he can decide matches on his own.”
Pellegrini concluded by touching on his current form and aspirations: “I’m training well. When I enter the field, I want to move mountains for Roma, sometimes I realize I can’t give everything I’d like to. I need to improve my numbers. I blindly trust Ranieri, the path is clear, he has swept away all the shadows.”
