Midfielder, and part-time centre back, Daniele De Rossi has leaped to the defence of Francesco Totti after the Roma legend revealed that he is thinking about leaving the Giallorossi.
De Rossi believes that ongoing criticism of the captain has left him bitter, and was the main reason behind his outburst.
It has been a poor season for Totti thus far, compared to his extremely high standards, and he came in for stick from the Roma faithful for missing a penalty in the 1-1 draw with Juventus on Monday evening.
Not used to being the object of negative attention from the tifosi Totti has taken their comments to heart and has questioned his desire to remain at the club that he has served since 1993.
“Totti’s bad mood? His problems are mine as well and we have to try and ignore the criticism that doesn’t make any sense,” De Rossi advised Il Corriere dello Sport.
“I have read absurd things about his professionalism, which is absolutely incredible in my opinion. He has done so many thing for this club. The grief he has been getting for his missed penalty has only left him more bitter.
De Rossi also revealed his views on people’s opinions about how much power players like Totti and himself wield at the club.
“We have a lot less authority than people think. We are not the ones who decide about new signings. That’s something for the sporting director.” De Rossi concluded.
Despite Totti’s initial comments he has since confirmed that he will not leave I Lupi.
“I can confirm that I was insulted in the streets of Rome, and it weren’t Lazio fans who did it. Everybody can relax again, because I won’t leave Roma.”
Well that was an interesting little diversion from the usual press about how long Luis Enrique has left at the club.
Onwards and upwards then. Until Sunday at least.
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