De Rossi: Roma was my life

Daniele De Rossi has spoken of his relationship with the Italian national team, admitting that before he was a player, he only followed Roma.

The Giallorossi midfielder has been a mainstay in the Azzurri team since his debut in 2004.

But speaking to the French Press, the 30-year-old has conceded that he wasn’t interested in the national team as a kid.

“When I was young, I didn’t really care about the national team,” he told So Foot. “I only really paid any attention when there was a World Cup or European Championship.

“I never looked at the qualifiers or anything like that.

“I was only interested in Roma, the Giallorossi was my life.

“But when you grow up and become a player, Italy is the goal. I was 17 and came from the rooms at Coverciano with the photos of great players in that blue shirt.

“Once you make your debut, you really get to understand what it feels like to play.

“I hope to be a part of the national team for as long as possible, maybe even after the Euros in France [in 2016].”