Roma World No.21: New York

Name: Sue Lee K. Troutman
Age: 44
City: New York City
Country: USA

Where did you grow up?

“I was born in California but moved around growing up because my father was in the military. In addition to living in Texas, Kansas and Illinois, we also spent several years overseas in the Philippines and Okinawa, where I graduated from high school.”

Why did you choose Roma?

“I had been following international football and the Azzurri for about a decade, when I finally got a chance to see my first stadium and club match at the Stadio Olimpico in January 2004 - Roma v Sampdoria. We won! That was my fourth trip to Rome in less than three years and I think becoming a Romanista was inevitable given that game experience plus my love of the city and Italian football.”

What is your first memory of Roma?

“My first memory of Roma was watching them play against Sampdoria at the Stadio Olimpico in January 2004. I’ve been able to see them play at home on four occasions since then.”

Who was your first Roma hero and why?

“I think given the era in which I became a Roma supporter, there is only one possible answer to this question: Francesco Totti. Even before I started following the club, I knew who Totti was because of the Italian national team. Where once I liked him just for being an outstanding footballer, now I admire him more for his abiding loyalty to the club and for the passion he still brings to the game. So many times this past season we saw that when Totti is on the field, he inspires his teammates to play better and he makes the critical difference in winning matches.”

Do Roma have a passionate fan base in the city you live?

“I can only speak for my supporters club, Lupi di New York, which has definitely turned out with tremendous enthusiasm, especially for the big matches. Getting fans to show up for weekend morning matches, though, isn’t always so easy! We are a new club – only two years old - and trying to build American and international support for Roma, as well as to offer a great viewing experience at Smithfield Hall for Romanisti visiting New York City.”

What makes Roma so special to you?

“I always look forward to watching Roma play and hanging out with my friends who are supporters. With Roma, I have a sense of community, which is what I think a club should give you.”

What does Totti mean to you?

“Totti is AS Roma and Rome. As a born-and-bred Roman, he not only symbolises the club but also the city. And the fact that he has spent his entire career at Roma has sealed his status as a legend to me and makes me emotional whenever I think about it. This year I bought my first Roma jersey because it is Totti’s last season, and I got his name and number inscribed on the back. I have already begun making plans to be at the stadium for his last home match – whatever it takes to get there, I will make it happen.”

Who is your favourite current player and why?

“This is not an easy question to answer, but after Totti, I think I have to say Radja Nainggolan. His ability to sustain his energy level for the full 90 minutes is incredible, and he always seems to make a difference in every game. Plus, his mohawk and Ninja nickname make him so cool.”

What makes you most proud to be a Roma supporter?

“Not being Roman or even Italian, I could easily have ended up supporting another club, especially one of the big global brands. I am really proud of the fact that I didn’t make that mistake and that I chose Roma.”

Follow Lupi di New York on Twitter @lupidinewyork