Roma World No.22: Toronto

As Roma continue their tour of North America, asroma.com heads to Canada to meet Theoren from Toronto…

Name: Theoren Abate
Age: 24
City: Toronto
Country: Canada

Why did you choose Roma?

“Whenever I am asked this question, I always say the same thing. You don’t choose Roma, it chooses you and you just fall in love hopelessly with the club and everything it represents.”

What is your first memory of Roma?

“My earliest memory of Roma was in the 1999-2000 season, the first derby against Lazio, with Roma winning 4-1. I used to watch the games with my Nonno, but he never picked a team he just liked watching calico. That season didn’t end well but that was the moment I knew Roma was my first love.”

Who was your first Roma hero and why?

“It has to be Totti. He has been the captain since before I can remember. Totti began his career with Roma when I was 1 year old. He’s been with the club my entire life. The thing that made him a great hero for me was the fact that he turned down a lucrative offer from Real Madrid to stay with his hometown club. He’s stayed with the club at its low points and carried us to our high points.”

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

“I never thought that we did in Toronto but when Roma came here in 2013 and last summer when the Primavera visited I learned there was a lot more. Since then I have been working on joining the Toronto Romanisti together and starting a new Roma Club. When Roma came to visit I spent three days camping out by the hotel just to get a glimpse of the players and on game day I was hit by a car biking to the stadium. Hopefully in Montreal I’ll have a chance to do the same. I have no vacation time so I’ll be flying in and spending 10 hours in Montreal just to hopefully see Totti one last time and thank him for everything.”

What makes Roma so special to you?

“The fans make Roma special for me. One of the things that made me fall for the club was seeing the Curva in all its glory. Seeing how it was last season really ruined a lot for me. I can't wait for this to be sorted out so that we may see them come together and put on a show, unify behind the club and give Il Capitano the sendoff that he deserves after so many years with the club. I love the Roman spirit that lives in the team, the fight they bring and the way the entire city comes together to support.”

What does Totti mean to you?

“Totti was one of the reasons I fell in love with Roma. His talent is one thing, its other worldly. Watching him play, the passes he makes, the grace he brings to the game is poetic. Somehow he is able to balance that with the force he also brings to the game.

“He is the leader of the club and I'm proud to have him as Il Capitano. I am trying to sign off all of my tweets with #GrazieTotti in an effort to try and repay him. I can’t fully put in to words what Totti means to me or what he means to us.

“I don't believe there is another player who reflects one club as much as Totti does. Even De Rossi doesn’t want to be the captain of Roma because it would mean that Totti is no longer in the club. I am incredibly proud that Totti’s contract allows him to remain with the club once he retires and I don't think I can handle watching his final game. I am not ready to see a Roma without Totti and I’m not sure I ever will be.”

Who is your favourite current player and why?

“Aside from Totti? I have to say it’s between De Rossi and Florenzi. I guess I have a thing for Romans. I love their passion. They wear their emotions on their sleeve, for good or for bad but I love to see it. De Rossi has always been a rock at the core of the squad and defensive players don't often get the recognition they deserve. The credit often goes to the attacking players. De Rossi has also turned down moves away to stay with the club and seeing him play alongside Totti has been fantastic. I’ll always remember the photos and videos of him giving pre game talks and you can feel the passion he has for the shirt.

“Florenzi has been a player who gives his all for the squad. I’m convinced he would play in goal if he was asked to. It has been difficult for Florenzi to break into a more forward position because he was doing so well at right-back. Seeing him grow into a great player has been superb and I can't wait to watch him become the captain one day. He’s already had the armband a few times.”

What makes you most proud to be a Roma supporter?

“I love the history of the club and the respect that the club shows for its members. This is something we cannot lose. The club must respect its legends and the past and make fans aware of it to have a successful future. Having people like Alberto De Rossi and others who have the Roman heart around shows the new players what it means to play for Roma and what it means to be part of the club. It’s important for new players to know what it means to wear this shirt.”

Follow @Theoren91 and @ASRoma_Toronto on Twitter.