Daniele De Rossi embarked on a new chapter with Roma on Tuesday, stepping into a role at his beloved club following the abrupt departure of Jose Mourinho.
The World Cup-winning former Italy midfielder, synonymous with Roma after an illustrious playing career, inked a contract with the Serie A club until June 30, 2024, just hours after Mourinho’s dismissal.
“I know no other way but dedication, daily sacrifices, and giving everything I have to face the challenges that await us from now until the end of the season,” expressed De Rossi in a statement. “The excitement of being able to sit on our bench is indescribable. Everyone knows what Roma means to me.”
Mourinho’s departure was triggered by a string of disappointing results that left the capital club trailing in the Italian top flight. As he left Roma’s Trigoria training ground, Mourinho thanked supporters, acknowledging their chants of his name.
De Rossi, a local hero who played a pivotal role in some of Roma’s finest teams, is adored by fans. Growing up in a gritty Rome suburb, he spent nearly two decades with Roma, earning acclaim for his passionate style of play.
While the 40-year-old has little coaching experience, having had a brief stint at SPAL cut short in February last year, he remains an iconic figure for Roma supporters. Mourinho, after a poignant two-and-a-half years, departed after securing the Europa Conference League in 2022.
Rumors of Mourinho’s exit gained traction following Roma’s elimination from the Italian Cup and a disheartening 3-1 loss to AC Milan.
The 60-year-old Portuguese manager, once linked to a job in Saudi Arabia, left Roma amid challenges in securing a Champions League spot and financial constraints under Financial Fair Play regulations.
