Daniele De Rossi says he has a ‘wonderful’ relationship with Romelu Lukaku but insists that he hugged all Roma players after a victory on penalties against Feyenoord in the second leg of the Europa League knockout playoff.
Roma qualified for the Europa League Round of 16 on Thursday after a win on penalties against Dutch side Feyenoord at the Stadio Olimpico.
De Rossi hugged Lukaku in front of the Curva Sud after a penalty shootout and the moment has gone viral on social media in Italy. The Belgian striker had missed a spot kick, but Roma still managed to win the match thanks to two saves from goalkeeper Mile Svilar.
“I have a wonderful relationship with him [Lukaku],” De Rossi said at a post-match press conference.
“I didn’t know him too well, but he’s a great professional. He ran so much and when he sprinted at minute 121, he could have brought us to the Round of 16. To end it like this was more thrilling, even if it would have been better for him to end it after 120 minutes. You saw the hug because it was shown on TV, but I hugged all the other players in the same way. I am starting to love these guys.”