Roma World No.10: China

Asroma.com travels to China to meet Tao Yang, a Chinese resident who knew there was only one place he could propose to his girlfriend...

Name: Tao Yang

Age：34

City：Shanghai

Country：China

Where did you grow up?

"My hometown is Nanjing in China - then I went to university in New Brunswick, Canada, at 18."

Why did you choose Roma?

"Because of the tradition of local players and the beautiful football mindset - always trying to score. We also have the best fans in Curva Sud. Last but not least, I love this great city."

What is your first memory of Roma?

"A good-looking team jersey. I like red and yellow and the wolf head logo is very cool for a teenage boy."

Who was your first Roma hero and why?

"Abel Balbo. He was one of the best forwards during the late '90s when I first fell in love with Roma."

Who has been your favourite Roma manager and why?

"Fabio Capello, the last manager to bring us a league title."

What has been your lowest point supporting Roma?

"The 2013 Italian Cup when we lost to Lazio. On that day we didn't win our 10th Italian Cup, so no silver star on the badge, nut the worst part is our derby rival won over us to visit China for the following season's Super Cup."

Have you been to a Roma match and if so, what was your memory of your first game?

"My first Roma match was in 2012 - Roma v Sampdoria on September 27. Although it was a 1-1 draw, Totti scored his 216th goal - and on his birthday! I stood up with the Curva Sud fans and raised my Roma scarf, when everyone sang 'Roma Roma Roma'.

"I hope I can be there when we win our next Serie A title."

And on the same day, you achieved one of the most important things in your life…

"I proposed to my beloved girlfriend in a VIP suite of the Stadio Olimpico, and she said YES!

"We were travelling in Rome, my favourite city. And suddenly I thought, if I can propose to the love of my life here, it would be very romantic: the Eternal City shall witness our endless love. So I decided to do it.

"The next morning I made an excuse and left early to the stadium alone. Roma staff were so helpful, they arranged some champagne and flowers. Then I bought a Cartier ring in the city centre. All sorted.

"I was quite nervous and shy to make my confession of love in front of so many people. But it’s Rome, it’s the Stadio Olimpico. Nothing is impossible here. Fortunately she said yes!"

Where were you when Roma last won the Scudetto?

"My home in Nanjing, it was just a few month before I went to Canada. I cried after the final whistle."

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

"Yes, we will occasionally gather to watch games, like the last Rome derby."

Which team do you most enjoy seeing Roma beat?

"Lazio of course, I can still be excited even several weeks afterwards if we win!"

What makes Roma so special to you?

"I love the city, where so many historical sites make you feel timeless and eternal. Also Roma are a team that never give up. I like the spirit."

What does Totti mean to you?

"Totti means Roma. No Totti, no party."

Who is your favourite current player and why?

"De Rossi. He always gives 120% effort when he plays, and if he is not playing he will watch the games with the passion of a die-hard fan."

If you could meet anyone connected to Roma - past or present - who would it be and why?

"Totti. I’d like to thank him for everything he did for Roma, for the city and fans."

What makes you most proud to be a Roma supporter?

"We might not have as many trophies as others, but Roma means tradition - a great legacy, from Totti to De Rossi to Florenzi, and a great passion for football."

Finally, what would be your perfect day as a Roma fan?

"To witness our next title in our new stadium."