De Rossi: Boca my happy place

By Football Italia staff

Daniele De Rossi says Boca Juniors are the only place besides Roma where he can feel ‘alive and happy’.

De Rossi made his bow at La Bombonera on Monday, helping Boca beat Aldosivi 2-0, and the former Roma midfielder admits he found playing at the stadium ‘magical’ and like ‘a dream’.

“It’s been an exciting three weeks, I’m very happy and I was received in an unforgettable way,” he told Fox Sports.

“I found it a little daunting at first, but now I’m happy. Playing at La Bombonera was magical, a dream, but then emotions are put aside on the pitch and now I’m focused on what I have to do on it. I have the support of my teammates.

“When [Nicolas] Burdisso called, I thought Boca were the only possible destination after Roma.

“It took some time for me to understand how my family could adapt to so many changes.

“There are those who make different decisions. In China I could’ve made much more, but I realised that I wanted to feel alive and happy, and the only place besides Roma which could give me that is Boca Juniors.”

The 36-year-old then revealed the Xeneizes legend other than Diego Maradona he most wanted to meet.

“After meeting Maradona, I’d like to meet [Juan Roman] Riquelme. I also use him as a background for a WhatsApp group that I have with my teammates.

“I believe only Iniesta is better than him. He’s the most complete midfielder in history.

“Cassano also told me that he’d like to meet him. It’s impossible not to fall in love with such a footballer.

“Many fans of other teams stop me on the street, even River supporters. I have to get used to some aspects of Argentine football.

“I’m receiving a lot of attention here, but I’d like it to be a little less. I don’t want to be treated differently to my teammates.

“I still have to regain my optimal condition and I still have to learn how to play with my teammates.

“For me, it’s all new. Watching it on TV is different to living it on the field.”

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