Roma World No. 5: Indonesia

In the fifth installment of the series that turns the spotlight on passionate Roma supporters all over the world, asroma.com travels to south east Asia to meet Russel, an Indonesian fan who fell in love with the Giallorossi and their captain at a young age...

Name: Russel Miracle

Age: 28

City: Jakarta

Country: Indonesia

Where did you grow up?

“I grew up in Denpasar, Bali – Indonesia”

Why did you choose Roma?

“Roma is my only love, and Totti my idol, a childhood idol. He is the one person above all people in the world that I’ve ever been fanatical about.”

What is your first memory of Roma?

“Roma vs Fiorentina in 1996-97. The final score was 3-3 and Francesco was still wearing the number 17 jersey. Ever since that moment, I could see that he was the one! I love his charisma, style of play, personality and everything else. I love everything about him.”

Who was your first Roma hero and why?

“Francesco Totti, and he still is. There is one other player that I actually love almost as much as Totti, and that is Vincent Candela. But Totti is still the one I love most.”

Who has been your favourite Roma manager and why?

“Zdenek Zeman. He introduced me to a different style of football - long, long before I even chose to love Roma.”

What has been your lowest point supporting Roma?

“This is a tough question. I love Roma in all conditions, even when we’re losing or in a bad situation. But maybe the lowest point for me was when Lazio won the Italian title in 2000.”

Have you been to a Roma match at the Olimpico?

“No, I haven’t been to a match. That is my dream, my passion and the place I have to go before I die. There were a few attempts to get there, such as making a collection box for money to go to the Olimpico, among other things. But seeing a match there is still my dream.”

Where were you when Roma last won the Scudetto?

“In front of my TV in Bali with flags, champagne, scarves and fireworks.”

Do Roma have a passionate fanbase in Jakarta?

“Yes, a hugely passionate fanbase.”

Which team do you most enjoy seeing Roma beat?

“Lazio. Even now that we’re in a battle with Juve, Lazio is still the club that I want Roma to beat the most.”

What makes Roma so special to you?

“Because Roma is Roma. There is no one reason that I love this club. It’s like a destiny.”

What does Totti mean to you?

“An idol, for sure, but there are so many more reasons to love him. His charisma, the type of person he is and everything else. Totti is a perfect example of Italian football. I think Totti is still the world’s best footballer and that is not just because I am a fan of his.”

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

“Totti and Candela. Also I want to meet Aurelio Andreazzoli.”

What makes you most proud to be a Roma supporter?

“Because we have Totti and they don’t! I am still supporting a club that has had same captain for the past 18 years. That’s unbelievable. I also like the city, and how passionate the curva is.”

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

“When Roma win a title and when I can finally visit Trigoria to see Roma’s trophies.”