September 25 – Roma’s normally media-shy American owner has issued a statement to reassure fans after a turbulent week for the storied Italian club.
Roma coach and former captain Daniele de Rossi, darling of the club’s loyal fans, was surprisingly fired on Wednesday, followed by the resignation of CEO and general manager Lina Souloukou amid reports she played a major part in his surprise exit.
De Rossi’s departure led to a mass protest by fans on Sunday despite the club winning its first game of the season under new coach Ivan Juric.
On Monday, shortly after reaching an agreement to buy a majority stake in Everton, the Texas-based Friedkin Group – fronted by Dan Friedkin and his son, Ryan – issued a statement assuring fans that “the potential addition of Everton to our portfolio does not alter our focus on AS Roma.”
“If anything, the multi-club symbiosis will only help Roma. Each club in our portfolio operates independently and AS Roma remains at the heart of our football ambitions. Rest assured, our commitment of time, resources, and energy to Roma will not be diminished.”
“Let us say this; we have the utmost respect for Daniele and believe he will have a great career as a coach. Maybe even one day back at Roma,” the statement added.
“The decision to part ways with him was incredibly difficult, but we made it with the belief that it gives us the best opportunity to compete for trophies this season.”
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