Notwithstanding the personal difficulties which have blighted him over the past three years, De Rossi intends to stay at the capital club. Furthermore, the incoming club owners would not contemplate the sale of a key member of the squad.
The Italy international retains the ambition of becoming the future Roma captain, taking over from Francesco Totti. He would therefore reject any advances from interested clubs in order to become a major power at Trigoria, according to Rizzitelli. His current contract expires in 2012 but Rizzitelli believes that his future at Roma extends far beyond that.
“The truth is De Rossi won’t leave Roma. He is their Bandiera player, the future captain. He is already named as the new captain after Francesco Totti,” he told Goal.com.
“De Rossi has already rejected Real Madrid in the past. Two years ago the club had asked for him, but he and former Roma owners the Sensi family said no because he is a Roman, a Romanista and he wants to end his career at Roma like Totti.
“His dream is to remain at Roma with the backing of the new owners and the promise of a strong team to challenge.”
Rumours suggested that changes in the boardroom and the prospective takeover led by Thomas DiBenedetto’s American consortium had destabilized the midfielder, who is concerned over how the move would affect the club and his own standing within the structure.
Rizzitelli sent a powerful reminder to the owners, telling them fans would not stand for a De Rossi sale. Plans are already in place to keep the current band of players together, of which the 27-year-old is considered the future leader.
“I think the problem with De Rossi were the recent events regarding the new ownership,” he added.
“But once the new owners come in, they won’t be thinking of selling De Rossi to Real Madrid as the Roma fans are expecting a new team, a strong side who can challenge for the league.
“If they sold him, the new owners would be starting off on the wrong foot.
“Plus, the fans at Trigoria would not allow the club to sell De Rossi.”
Born and bred in the Italian capital, De Rossi has endured recent tribulations in his life away from the pitch. The death of his father-in-law and divorce from his wife has led to speculation that he has grown weary with life in the city.
Furthermore his sporting stock is currently low after lashing out at Darijo Srna in a recent Champions League game. De Rossi faced criticism and received a temporary exclusion from Italy boss Cesare Prandelli following his UEFA ban, administered in the aftermath of i Lupi’s Champions League last 16 exit at Shakhtar Donetsk.
Rizzitelli agrees with the code of ethics practice being adopted by la Nazionale, and he expects the Roma man will benefit from Prandelli’s counsel rather than see it as a reason to be glum.
“I think this is the right thing and it’s good for Prandelli to do this. He had something like this at Fiorentina too. The fundamental thing for champion players is to have respect for the opposition,” the former Italy international said.
“De Rossi is a champion player, but even he has to be ‘punished’, so players will understand.
“It’s the right thing to do and Prandelli did confirm he would do this when he became coach of the national side.”
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Former Striker Ruggiero Rizzitelli: Man Utd & Real Madrid Target Daniele De Rossi Will Not Leave Roma