De Rossi unconcerned about future as he prepares for latest campaign

The Giallorossi captain, who is about to start his 18th season with his boyhood club, is preparing to face Real Madrid at New York’s MetLife Stadium on Tuesday – in the third and final game of the club’s 2018 International Champions Cup campaign.

With his contract due to expire next summer, the 35-year-old was asked whether things felt different for him going into the new season, given that it could yet be his last for the club.

De Rossi was asked if he still felt like a ‘strong player’.

“Well, I felt like a strong player last season, and I woke up this morning thinking I am still a strong player,” De Rossi said. “I want to prove that over the season.

“I spoke to [sporting director] Monchi at the end of last season, and we have a close relationship. We did not speak about anything specific about my future. I think two years ago, perhaps in St. Louis, I was asked the same question in the same situation, and I will give the same answer again now: I just want to play football, I want to show my worth on the pitch.

“Most importantly, I want to be the one to make that decision about my future – I don’t want someone else to decide it for me. If I am not good enough anymore, Roma will soon let me know. But I really want to win something here. Perhaps I could go elsewhere, but I don’t need to do anything for money. Perhaps playing somewhere else would be a good experience – and this tour has helped give me that feeling – but I’m not about to rush into any decisions. I want to do well with Roma.”

De Rossi was full of praise for his experience in the United States this summer, saying the country has come a long way in terms of its football facilities.

“I agree with the coach, it has been a positive tour,” he said. “The facilities, the quality of the pitches, the standard of the dressing rooms have improved a lot over the years – they are just as good now as they are in Italy. These tours are a good experience for us, and now we look forward to going back and getting the season underway.”

The midfielder was also asked about the changes within the squad this summer, with a number of big names leaving and a host of exciting talents arriving at the club.

“Yes, a lot of new players have joined the club this year,” he said. “They are adapting, they are overcoming the problems and the adjustments that are of course normal when you join a new club. But they are adapting – and all of the players we have added are clearly big players.

“I don’t think that we should compare ourselves with other teams, whether we are much younger than the rivals in Italy or whatever. The most important thing is the players are good ones, and that the experienced ones are in the right shape and have the right approach. This is all something for the coaches, the directors and the other staff to manage and evaluate. Plus, in football these days the age of a player is becoming less and less important.”

Speculation has continued about further additions before the transfer window closes – perhaps another midfielder, to provide another option alongside De Rossi’s experience and leadership.

“Well, I try to read as little as possible about all that,” De Rossi said. “Of course I have my opinions, but the main thing is I only speak about my teammates. Right now Maxime Gonalons is my ‘competitor’ for my position in midfield.

"Gonalons is a great player, he went through some difficulties last season but he came through them. He is also really loved by the guys in the dressing room. He is a great player, not behind me but to have alongside me. But it is the job of the coaches and the directors to work on improving the squad.”