“I’d love to come back to Boca as a coach” – De Rossi

Daniele De Rossi

hung up his boots with

in January 2020 making seven appearances and scoring one goal in six months.

“

I do miss Boca and Argentina. I enjoyed every single minute of my time there,

” De Rossi said.

“

I wasn’t able to give my all and that hurt, as I arrived without much training and wanted to play as if I was still 27 years old, but that was not possible.

“Boca did offer to keep me for a few more months, especially (Juan Roman) Riquelme, but I explained my personal situation and they respected the fact my family needed me.

“I still speak to Nico Burdisso every week, he even came over to my house when he was in Rome, as he was more than a teammate or a club director for me. I can always learn something from him.

“I am also still in regular contact with Carlos Tevez, along with many others.”

The former

star has begun the process of getting coaching badges, following the path after his father Alberto, who has been in charge of coaching the Roma youth club for several years.

“

I am studying now and my first coaching experience will certainly be in Europe, but one day I’d love to come back to Boca,

” said the 37-year-old.

“

I learned from all the coaches I worked with, but the one that really made me fall in love was Luis Enrique. He has an ethical code and taught me how to deal with the group, respect the coach and teammates. I also learned more about how to deal with the ball on the pitch, even if I was already 29 or 30.

“I had wonderful years with Luciano Spalletti and Antonio Conte, who were phenomenal coaches.”

Carlos Bianchi

’s reign at Roma turned out to be disappointing; however, De Rossi is confident it can be explained.

“

He had problems with Francesco Totti, and that is something that makes a big difference at Roma. He’s like a God for us, the way Riquelme or Diego Maradona was treated in Argentina.”

During his time at Boca, De Rossi has paid a visit to Maradona's home

.

“It was incredible. I didn’t think he really wanted to meet me, but when I went to his house, I never wanted to leave. He wanted to get to know me, talk about his country and Boca.

“He was a truly special person. When I heard the news he had died, I didn’t want to believe it, and to be honest, I still struggle to believe it. He cannot die, he’s a legend.”

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