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Daniele De Rossi is among a vanishing breed of athletes — one who has spent his entire professional career with one club, Roma of Italy’s Serie A in his hometown. De Rossi, whose father, Alberto, also played for Roma, has appeared in nearly 300 games for the team.

He has also matured into a stalwart in the midfield for his national team, the Azzurri, having played in more than 80 games and appeared in two World Cups. (Italy won its fourth title in 2006.) Nicknamed Captain Futuro, a nod to his expected ascendance to team captain after Francesco Totti, De Rossi signed a five-year contract in February 2011 that pays a reported $10 million a year, making him the highest-paid Italian player in Serie A. Though he has played less this season under Roma’s new coach, Zdenek Zeman, De Rossi, whose English is excellent, will be with the club when it travels after Christmas to train at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla., during Serie A’s winter break.

Q.

Is it fair to say you’re very comfortable in Rome?

A.

I was born in Rome. For me, it is the normal thing to play right here. I never tried, or really wanted, to play outside for another team. For me, it is amazing, great. I first came to the training center when I was 12 years old. It’s my home.

Q.

Soccer gets so much attention in Italy, especially the teams in Rome. Does the pressure get to you?

A.

I think some players who come here feel so much pressure. I’m accustomed to feeling this pressure. You grow up feeling it, even when you’re a simple fan. It’s just something you live with.

Q.

As with some clubs in England, new American owners are planning to build a stadium and want to extend Roma’s brand around the world. What have you noticed has changed because of the new ownership?

A.

Owners everywhere are all different. Here, a lot of people changed, the manager, the coaches, the players. Everything has changed. But there is the same passion to handle well this club. I believe for these owners Roma is a long-term project; we hope they bring us to win something important. Before, the ownership was a family that spent all their life for Roma. Now, that has changed, but they’re also doing passionate work.

Q.

Recently, there were racist and anti-Semitic incidents involving fans of Lazio, the other Serie A club in Rome, who called Roma the “Jewish club.” Do you think this is a problem in Italy, in soccer or in society?

A.

In talking with my teammates, many different nationalities, they say they feel a lot of difference with the football in Rome than they have with other cities and their clubs. I think, in a way, it is an Italian problem. It is part of the Italian way we live and speak about football. I don’t know how it is in other countries, but I think we could be more easy. It would be better for everybody. I play with a lot of players with different color and religions, and I worry about how they are treated. With racism in Rome, I believe it is really a small part of Roma fans, and Lazio, too. It is a problem of the world coming to football, I mean soccer. It’s a problem with a lot of people who support soccer.

Q.

Where did you learn to speak English so well?

A.

In school, and also now from my girlfriend. Her father is American and her mother is English.

Q.

The club is coming back to the United States after Christmas. Is it a trip you and your teammates are looking forward to or would you prefer to remain in Italy during your break?

A.

I’m excited. I have to say I like so much the United States. I spend a lot of time there on vacation. I love your country. It will be good to spend five days training and working, but also having fun with my daughter and fiancée. When I come to the U.S., I usually spend time in New York and sometimes Las Vegas. I know, not very cultural!

Q.

For this season, Roma has a new manager, and it has meant some changes for the team and for you in particular. Has it been difficult?

A.

Yes, it’s something new for me. We have a new coach, but also a lot of great new players, like Michael [Bradley, an American]. My task is to play the same role in the midfield, but it has been difficult for me to find the space I’m used to finding. I just have to work hard and be professional, and I’m sure I will soon have more time on the field.

Q.

There has been much written and talked about lately of your going to play for Roberto Mancini at Manchester City in England during the transfer period in January. True?

A.

Mr. [James] Pallotta [the Boston businessman who is Roma’s president] said I am not on the market, not for sale. I repeat, I still love this city and the club. Everything I love is here. It would be so difficult for me if I have to change. If some clubs want me, my manager will have to talk with them. I don’t hear this rumor of Manchester City.

Q.

Really? Honest?

A.

Well, O.K. I’ve heard this rumor. I’m sure my future will be a good experience no matter where I play. I hope someday maybe in the U.S.A. I’ve spoken a long time with Michael about it. I would love to come to the U.S. to play. I’m still young; I’m 29. I live for this club. My story is that I live for the club and, for me, leaving would be a drama, a big drama. I would like to stay here. Not all players have my same story [being the second generation to play for Roma]. Some players can change cities and change countries and change clubs from the youngest age. It is normal for them. For me, it is not the way to do my job.