De Rossi reveals he rejected big offer for Roma stay
After deciding to leave Roma for a fresh challenge with a big-money offer on the table, the Italian midfielder decided to stay and inherit Francesco Totti's armband.
Daniele De Rossi admitted that a fresh challenge is more appealing than retiring at boyhood club Roma, but he ultimately decided to sign a one-year contract extension to keep him in the Italian capital.
Inter Milan are believed to have made an attempt to land the veteran midfielder. The 34-year-old was tempted before deciding he could not betray the club and the fans, but he does not rule out a new challenge in the future.
'I think I ought to have an experience elsewhere. I had already decided to do it last year, as for long periods there was no contact with the club over my renewal', he told Corriere dello Sport.
'I was playing well, so would leave a happy memory. For a while, it was my plan to leave. The biggest offer on the table was from another Italian club'.
'However, my heart and love won out. I couldn't betray the city and the fans. If a big European or American club had come in, and it's no secret one of my dreams is to go to America for a lifestyle and football experience, I probably wouldn't be here today'.
Now well into the twilight of his career, De Rossi accepts he is unlikely to follow Totti's footsteps in retiring at Roma. 'I always thought it'd be great if I could, with all due respect and the correct proportions, experience a day like the one Totti had on May 28 when he retired. It would be wonderful to experience such an intense salute with the fans', he continued.
'At the same time, I do feel the strong desire to have an experience elsewhere. Frankly, 16 years at Roma is like 32 elsewhere, because they really weigh on you. I am physically having the best seasons of my career, but the pressure is often excessive', De Rossi said.