Roma general manager Mauro Baldissoni reflects on ‘good memories’ of Stadio Olimpico, but looks forward to a new stadium.
The Giallorossi have been presenting plans for the Stadio della Roma, and the director joined Francesco Totti and President James Pallotta in talking about the project.
Roma general manager Mauro Baldissoni reflects on ‘good memories’ of Stadio Olimpico, but looks forward to a new stadium.
The Giallorossi have been presenting plans for the Stadio della Roma, and the director joined Francesco Totti and President James Pallotta in talking about the project.
“I think that proud is the right word,” Baldissoni responded when asked for his feelings on the proposed new ground by Roma's official website.
“I'm very proud to associate Roma to any excellence. I always look at the away fans’ section in our stadium when we chant the Roma song and spread out our scarves right before the game, because I'm proud to see them taking pictures of us.
“I can imagine how astonished they will be when they take a seat in the new venue and how many pictures they will have to take.
“I expect to see players lifted by the wave of enthusiasm generated by the fans in the new stadium and fly.”
If the plans come to fruition, the Lupi will be leaving Stadio Olimpico, and Baldissoni reflected on fond memories at the historic stadium.
“Stadio Olimpico has been home to AS Roma for such a long time that certainly a strong bond exists.
“I still remember with affection how the stadium was before the renovation for the 1990 World Cup.
“My father started taking me to AS Roma games when I was a little kid. I was less than 1m tall and I had no rights to a proper seat!
“I'm not sure what game was the first one I attended but I clearly remember players like Loris Boni (for his big mustache, I guess), Walter Casaroli and Giorgio Morini.
“I have many good memories obviously but I tend to consider my favorite moments when we as fans stood up for the team despite negative results.
“I remember, for instance, the Cup Winners' Cup quarter-final game versus Bayern Munich in 1985, when we were chanting continuously for a big part of the game, under the rain and despite the negative score.
“Or the return match of the Coppa Italia final vs Torino in 1993, when both the fans and the players remained on the stands and on the field for at least half an hour after the end of the game, thanking each other, despite the failed comeback in the score. Very touching moments.
“However, the excitement for the new infrastructure is so big that I’m sure it will prevail over any other emotions.”
image via asroma.it