Daniele De Rossi revealed the prospect of meeting Oasis stars Liam and Noel Gallagher nearly led to him joining Manchester City.
The reuniting Gallagher brothers are arguably the most famous supporters of the reigning Premier League champions, and have had a lot to celebrate in recent years with the club’s domestic and European success.
Their influence on the club nearly led to the club securing the services of one of the best Serie A midfielders in recent history, after De Rossi declared his interest in meeting the Gallagher brothers.
The development comes after they confirmed on Tuesday that Oasis have reformed for a mammoth tour around the UK and Ireland, 33 years after their first live performance.
The duo released their announcement at 8am on Tuesday morning, marking their comeback after a 16-year wait, and undoubtedly, the current Italian manager is expected to be in attendance.
Former AS Roma midfielder, Daniele De Rossi, revealed he was considering a move to Man City
His desire for a transfer to the Citizens was due to his love for British rock band Oasis
The Gallagher brothers – both lifelong City supporters – confirmed that they will return for a mammoth tour around the UK and Ireland
In an interview for the AS Roma website, De Rossi shed light on his favourite cities, including Glasgow, his favourite movies, such as The Shawshank Redemption and his favourite bands, with Oasis being his top choice.
The Italian said: ‘They’re the band from my teenage years. I grew up listening to them and I know all their songs off by heart.
‘I liked those guys, they were real characters. They weren’t always conventional or very easily approachable but I really liked the stereotype they represented – rock stars off their heads.
‘There was a lot of talk about me moving to Manchester City a few years ago but I’ve never wanted to leave Rome. What excited me the most about that prospect, however, was the fact that I could have met the Gallagher brothers.’ he added.
De Rossi though ultimately stayed at Roma – where he spent 18 years, netting 63 goals in 616 appearances.
However, the former Italy international saw his departure from the capital of Italy in the summer of 2019 after his contract expired, for an unexpected move to Argentina side Boca Juniors.
At the end of the 2011-12 campaign, the Citizens’ squad featured several high-class midfielders, such as Yaya Toure, Nigel de Jong, James Milner and David Silva.
De Rossi moved to Argentina side Boca Juniors after his boyhood club announced they would not renew his expiring contract
However, he returned to the capital of Italy five years later for a managerial role
Despite the competition, De Rossi would have undoubtedly earned his place in the squad.
De Rossi also previously revealed that one of his football idols is Manchester United legend Roy Keane.
He said: ‘In my opinion, the legendary Manchester United captain needs no introduction. He’s my all-time idol. Besides Gaia (my daughter, who was born on the 16th), I wear 16 because of him.’
‘He’s the only person in the world I’ve asked for a photo, two years ago. I was too embarrassed with Maradona but I couldn’t resist with him.’
Previously, it was revealed that in 2019, De Rossi declined an opportunity to take on a director’s role at Roma, only to become their head coach five years later.
The Italian replaced Jose Mourinho and found his boyhood club in ninth place in the Serie A table.
Without significant managerial experience, he led the team to sixth place and guided the Giallorossi to the Europa League semi-finals.
Confirming that the Italian will continue at the club, the club stated: ‘In his short tenure as Head Coach, the positive impact that his leadership has brought to the entire club has told its own story.
‘We will continue to work together as hard as we possibly can to deliver a future that AS Roma’s fans deserve. We couldn’t be happier to build a long-term project with Daniele.’
The former Italy international led his side to a sixth place in Serie A and semi-final in the Europa League
Giallorossi are currently in the 15th place in Serie A table with a draw and a defeat
Giallorossi are currently in the 15th place after only two games played in Serie A 2023-24.
They opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Cagliari, followed by Empoli’s defeat, and are not preparing to face Juventus on Sunday.