Roma World No.29: Austin, USA

As the Giallarossi’s tour of North America begins to draw to a close, Roma World visits Austin, Texas, to meet another die-hard Romanista...

Name: Giancarlo Rendina
Age: 56
City: Austin
Country: USA

Where did you grow up?

“I grew up in Italy, more specifically, Rome.”

Why did you choose Roma?

“My father was a fan of this amazing team and I always watched Roma matches on TV with him. I remember him watching the match and trying to explain to me every single Roma player and the role they did in the team.”

What is your first memory of Roma?

“When Roma won Coppa Italia against Torino during the 1979-80 on penalties - that is the first image that I have in my mind.”

Who was your first Roma hero and why?

“Bruno Conti. He was an amazing player and always modest despite being a World champion.”

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

“Yes – just check out Numero 28 restaurant on match day!”

What makes Roma so special to you?

“It is special to me because it’s the team of one of the most beautiful cities in the world – a city with passionate people and supporters with an endless love for the team, no matter what the final result of a match could be.”

What does Totti mean to you?

“Loyalty, amazing player, great man, honest and unique!”

Who is your favourite current player and why?

“Totti, of course. He’s the last football player who remained loyal to his team forever. He could have won many titles changing teams but he loves Roma too much!”

What makes you most proud to be a Roma supporter?

“We are the best! Our support for Roma is unbelievable. We can win, we can lose, but we will always be with our team! Go Magica!”

Follow @gianc0000 on Twitter.