Roma have confirmed Daniele De Rossi’s appointment to replace José Mourinho, signing a contract until the end of the season.
The former Italy international returns to the club, with his second appointment as a coach for a professional club.
He had been appointed by Serie B side SPAL last season but was sacked after winning just three games from 17.
De Rossi will take charge of his first training session at Roma on Tuesday afternoon.
Roma players expected to train at Trigoria under Mourinho this morning, but Dan Friedkin arrived at the training ground to announce the Portuguese departure, informing the team and the Portuguese coach.
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“After an 18-year playing career with AS Roma, De Rossi will return home as head coach, with his first game being the club’s upcoming Serie A match against Verona on Saturday evening at the Stadio Olimpico.
“We are happy to be able to hand over the managerial role of AS Roma to Daniele De Rossi, as we feel that the leadership and ambition that have always defined him can prove decisive in achieving the team’s objectives until the end of the season,” said Dan and Ryan Friedkin.
“We were aware of Daniele’s unbreakable bond with the club, but his enthusiasm for accepting the position for the next few months convinced us even more of his ability to be a guide for the players and a proud representative of the club’s values. Welcome home, Daniele.”
“De Rossi returns to Roma after having previously played for the club.
“Born in Rome and a graduate of the club’s academy, Daniele joined AS Roma as a teenager in 2000, making his first-team debut in 2001 before quickly establishing himself as one of the world’s best midfielders.
“I would like to thank the Friedkin family for entrusting me with the responsibility of Roma’s head coach role. From my side, I know no other way but dedication, daily sacrifices, and giving everything I have in order to face the challenges that await us from now until the end of the season,” said De Rossi.
“The excitement of being able to sit on our bench is indescribable. Everyone knows what Roma means to me. However, the work that awaits us all has already taken precedence.
“We have no time or choice but to be competitive, fight for our goals, and try to achieve them, which are the only priorities my staff and I have set for ourselves.”
“De Rossi made 616 appearances and scored 63 goals for the Giallorossi in all competitions, ranking second in the club’s all-time appearance record.
“At club level, he won the Coppa Italia twice, in 2007 and 2008, along with one Supercoppa in 2007.
“In addition to his record-breaking accomplishments with Roma, Rossi has also had a successful international career.
“He is Italy’s fourth most-capped player, with 117 games, and has represented the Azzurri in eight major international competitions. In 2006, he won the World Cup with his Roma teammates, Francesco Totti and Simone Perrotta.
“After retiring from football, De Rossi joined the Italian national team’s coaching staff, where he lifted the European Championship trophy on July 11th, 2021, at Wembley Stadium, before taking over as head coach of SPAL last season.
“Welcome back home, Daniele!”
De Rossi, a product of the Roma academy and a former midfielder, played 616 games for the Giallorossi, scoring 63 goals. Before his appointment as SPAL’s coach in 2022, he served as Roberto Mancini’s assistant at Euro 2020.
He lifted the Coppa Italia twice as a Roma player plus one Supercoppa Italiana. He won the World Cup with Italy in 2006.
Terrific news for Roma fans! De Rossi is an excellent choice to replace Mourinho. His vast experience and knowledge of the club will be invaluable in leading Roma to success. I’m excited to see how he does in this new role!