Daniele De Rossi says he wouldn’t implement a code of ethics if he were a Coach, and outlines that he is ‘not a killer, nor a thug’.
The Roma man has headed out to Brazil with the Italy squad this week as they near kick-off for the 2014 World Cup.
Ahead of that, the player has reflected back on an incident during the 2006 World Cup in which he picked up a red card and suspension for an elbow to Brian McBride.
Daniele De Rossi says he wouldn’t implement a code of ethics if he were a Coach, and outlines that he is ‘not a killer, nor a thug’.
The Roma man has headed out to Brazil with the Italy squad this week as they near kick-off for the 2014 World Cup.
Ahead of that, the player has reflected back on an incident during the 2006 World Cup in which he picked up a red card and suspension for an elbow to Brian McBride.
“I am ashamed of this. I’m not a killer, nor a thug, nor envious if someone is better than me,” De Rossi has told La Repubblica today.
“I do not harbour revenge nor collect red cards. And as a child I was not a troublemaker. But I cannot stand someone that holds me, stops me, touches me. It’s a physical question, it bothers me, I cannot see, the blood swells.
“[After the incident] I would not have gone to a psychologist. I am not one who despises what goes on in my head, but I want to keep it at bay.
“I react little, but when it happens, I am bad. I’m also sure it will never happen again. Oh dear: add almost never.”
De Rossi was asked if as a Coach he would implement Cesare Prandelli’s code of ethics.
“I will think for a moment: surely not. Even the nicest guy in the world can get confused. But it is there and I subscribe to it – you have to accept it with serenity.
“I missed a call-up to the national team for the code of ethics, but I cannot nor do I want to play the victim.
“I repeat, elbows and punches are not my trademark.”