Roma World No.2: United Arab Emirates

Name: Amr Nassouhy
Age: 32
City: Dubai
Country: United Arab Emirates

Where did you grow up?

“I grew up in Cairo, Egypt.”

Why did you choose Roma?

“Simple… Francesco Totti + Gabriel Omar Batistuta + the amazing Kappa kits!”

What is your first memory of Roma?

“Batistuta and [Francesco] Totti leaving the Olimpico in their briefs after the fans invaded the pitch to take every single piece of clothing they were wearing!”

Who was your first Roma hero and why?

“Batistuta. I was in love with the Argentina 1994 World Cup squad, after which I followed Batistuta with Fiorentina, which then lead me to Roma with his transfer in 2000. The first Scudetto was the kick-off to a love story with a team, a club and a city that will never end.”

Who has been your favorite Roma manager and why?

“Luciano Spalletti. Spalletti brought to Rome the brand and identity of playing attractive, offensive football, while still keeping the ability to compete in local competitions. This identity still brands the type of football that is expected of AS Roma today. He was the one to discover Totti as a complete striker, a position he excelled in to become the second highest goalscorer in the history of the Calcio. He loved the players, the fans, the whole city and gave me experiences that I will never forget!”

What has been your lowest point supporting Roma?

“The 7-1 loss to Manchester United. I still remember the day and how I almost cried when [Danile] De Rossi scored the best goal out of the eight! Roma was definitely a strong side and didn’t deserve such a big loss. It was by far the most hurtful moment.”

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

“I’ve been to two Roma games and they were both in Cairo. The first one was in 2002, if my memory serves me right, and the memory stuck in my head was of not watching Totti play - as he was injured for that game. He was also injured in the second game in 2008 as well! So unfortunate!”

Where were you when Roma last won the Scudetto?

“In Cairo. At home. On my bed... watching one of the Rai channels in Italian and not understanding a word!”

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

“Yes, of course. The Roma4Ever Network is huge in the Middle East and has a big presence in Dubai. We always gather to watch the Roma games together!”

Which team do you most enjoy seeing Roma beat?

“Hahaha, to be honest, Inter! We tasted so many sour moments when fighting Inter for the Scudetto between 2006 and 2010 and not winning a single one created a rivalry inside me that is still alive!”

What makes Roma so special to you?

“How players relate to the club is always reflected to the fans. To see a legend like Francesco Totti rejecting the most lucrative offers to stay in Roma and to be followed by De Rossi (and soon Florenzi) makes one speechless. The love to AS Roma comes from deep inside – it’s hard to be explained in words.”

What does Totti mean to you?

“Talent, loyalty and honour. A lot of talented players around the world stayed loyal to their clubs, yet these clubs offered them loads of trophies locally and globally. Yet only Francesco remained loyal to a club that offered him 1 League title in his career, reflecting the honourable side of football that we do not see much of today.”

Who is your favourite current player and why?

“[Mohamed] Salah. Why? LOL. An extremely talented Egyptian playing for the team I love is a fair enough reason. I love [Miralem] Pjanic too but he comes second after my compatriot.”

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

“Simple... Francesco Totti.”

What makes you most proud to be a Roma supporter?

“The look of the supporters filling the Curva Sud with the red and yellow flares, singing ‘Roma Roma Roma’ before every game!”

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

“To watch Roma winning the Champions League!”