Delighted kids receive surprise visit from new club mascot

The boys and girls, aged between six and 13, had just finished their afternoon training session with Roma coaches on the pitches at the Hotel Cala di Volpe in Sardinia when Romolo made his first official public outing.

Roma initially introduced a wolf mascot called Romolo during the 1999-2000 season and, almost 20 years later, the redesigned character will make its first appearance in Rome on Sunday - before the club’s match against Real Madrid in the Mabel Green Cup.

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The new Romolo was designed by Rome-born Simone Legno, an international artist and lifelong AS Roma supporter.

Simone, who co-founded the global lifestyle brand Tokidoki 2005, sketched out the first concept for the new Romolo design back in 2015 and admits that it is an honour to see his creation finally come to life.

“It is absolutely a dream come true,” said Simone. “Like any Romano or Romanista, it’s hard to find the words to describe such an honour, responsibility and pride. Roma, my beloved city, is deeply connected to me forever. I live and breathe Roma.

“I wanted Romolo to embody bravery and kindness. I wanted to portray him as being protective but also naughty and audacious while at the same time being funny and warm-hearted – as I believe every Roma fan to be.”

For the club, the launch of the new mascot forms part of a strategy to better engage with young supporters in a fun way – in both Rome and across the world.

Along with appearing at the stadium before games, Romolo will also interact with fans and children at the club’s fan village, La Magica Land, as well as visiting schools, hospitals, football camps and Roma Cares community initiatives.