De Rossi Opens Up About Career and Missed Opportunities

In a recent podcast featuring English football legends, former Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi shared insights into his career, including a surprising revelation about a potential move to Manchester United.

De Rossi disclosed, “I came very close to joining Manchester United. In 2006, during the World Cup, Lippi arranged a meeting with Ferguson. It was brief, but I wish I had expressed my desire to join.”

The Italian player also spoke about his unwavering loyalty to Roma: “Every child born in Rome dreams of playing for this team. I made my choice to stay, which might have been wrong from a footballing perspective, but I have no regrets.”

Reflecting on the pressures of playing in Rome, De Rossi compared it to cooking: “If I were a chef and didn’t use enough guanciale in carbonara, I’d be upset. Football is crucial for Italians, especially in Rome.”

De Rossi also touched on the 2006 World Cup and the Calciopoli scandal: “It was an ugly affair, but the players weren’t involved. We were united, and Italian fans in Germany supported us tremendously, helping us reach the final.”

This candid interview provides a unique glimpse into De Rossi’s career decisions and the passion that fueled his dedication to Roma.