Former Roma player Daniele De Rossi concedes he is a long-time admirer of Manchester United, but the club’s stellar midfield prevented a move.
De Rossi finally retired earlier this year aged 36 after a short spell in Argentina with Boca Juniors. He had previously spent almost two decades in Italy at Roma, playing more than 600 games for the club in all competitions to become a Giallorossi legend.
The idea of playing at at the theatre of dreams was tempting for the midfielder, although he believes his position was already filled with top talent.
“Since I was a child I have loved United,” the midfielder told Sky Sport when asked which English side he would have liked to represent.
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“It was the right choice that I didn’t go to Manchester because there was Keane and Scholes, incredible players. It was really my desire to go to Boca Juniors. I never chose to leave Roma, but I felt like a god at Boca.”
De Rossi was joined on the interview by Juventus central defender Leonardo Bonucci, who sent a video message to his former team-mate.
And while Bonucci has earned a reputation for being a difficult character, he says that is not the case.
“We’re talking about a guy who all the people I know tell me is irritating and unlikable,” he added.
“There is this perception of Leo and a reputation, but it’s totally wrong. He’s an incredible professional and it’s sad that people think he’s unlikable.
“He can be a bit annoying at times on the pitch, but that’s because of the jersey he wears, as that club gives you a certain attitude and it’s one of the reasons why they win so much.”
Despite their close friendship, De Rossi recalls one incident in which tempers did flare between both players.
“He threw a boot at me in training once, it slipped and caught me with a stud. It was a little less of a joke for a moment, but it was all water under the bridge a minute later,” he said.
“Bonucci is one of the lads I remember with most fondness. That dinner table was chaos, great times.”
