Pallotta praises De Rossi: "He was Roma's heart for 18 years"

Daniele De Rossi will no longer be a Roma player at the end of the season. In the club's official statement, President James Pallotta praised the captain for his service: "For 18 years, Daniele has been the beating heart of AS Roma’s team. From his debut in 2001 to taking on the responsibility of the captain’s armband, he always represented the Roma fans on the pitch with pride as he established himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe. We will all shed tears when he pulls on the Giallorossi shirt for the last time against Parma but we respect his desire to prolong his playing career - even if, at almost 36, it will be away from Rome. On behalf of everyone at Roma, I’d like to thank Daniele for his incredible dedication to this club and ensure him that our doors will remain open for him to return to the club in a new role whenever he wants."