Roma World: Meet Wesley Davidson from Austin, Texas

Name: Wesley Davidson

Age: 28

City: Austin, Texas

Country: United States of America

Where did you grow up?

Wesley: "I grew up in south Alabama. It’s not exactly the biggest hotbed for the beautiful game, but I think that ultimately led to me forging a deep bond with the sport and those around me who loved it just as much as I did. I thoroughly enjoyed it as a game that took deep commitment to both play and follow professionally in an area dominated by American football, baseball, and basketball."

What is your first memory of Roma?

Wesley: "I developed great admiration for Totti and De Rossi in the 2000s and that drew me to the club, but my first vivid memory of consistently following results is watching the 2009-10 team that battled an incredible Inter squad until the very end of the season.

"Roma have come desperately close on so many occasions in the last twenty years, and you just have to respect that team for going toe-to-toe with Jose Mourinho’s treble-winning side."

Why did you choose Roma?

Wesley: "I suppose it was a perfect storm of factors that led to my fandom. Totti and De Rossi formed the bedrock, and then Michael Bradley joining the club while I was in college offered an extra intriguing element.

"The more I delved into the club’s history, passionate fan base and calcio-crazed culture in Rome, and the heated rivalry with Lazio, the quicker I fell. The love story has been writing itself over what is now almost a decade. Funnily enough, my nephew now represents Lazio in their youth academy."

What is your memory of your first game?

Wesley: "I have been able to watch Roma in the U.S. on a pair of occasions, but I have to roll with my first match in Stadio Olimpico last fall. It was everything I dreamed it would be and more. Madness getting to the stadium, supporters building anticipation outside the venue, the roar of the Curva Sud, and taking in a win over Napoli next to my father-in-law (a massive Napoli supporter) made for my favourite matchday experience."

Does Roma have a passionate fan base in Texas?

Wesley: "We have our own committed group of Roma supporters in Austin, Texas that I’ve been fortunate to join for a few matches.

"Furthermore, one of the neatest moments for me as a Roma fan was meeting up with many fellow supporters from across Texas when the Giallorossi faced Barcelona in Dallas. We had a fantastic pre-match event where we got to meet club legend Bruno Conti. We may have been outnumbered by Barcelona fans in the stadium, but we were truly a wolfpack in the wild with our passion and togetherness."

What is your favourite Roma kit of all time?

"The 1987-88 and 1991-92 home kits are right at the top for me. Anything with the Lupetto is bound to be a stunner. Out of all the great looks over the years, I honestly think I have to go with this past season’s blue third jersey. Sure, I may be a little biased, but the popping colour combination, Lupetto watermarks, and classy collar make it one of the most stunning kits of all time."

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Who is your favourite current Roma player and why?

Wesley: "This is an incredibly tough one. If you asked me this question a couple months ago, I would probably say it’s a tie between Nicolo Zaniolo and Edin Dzeko. The Bosnian is an easy pick due to his longevity, ability to pull something out of nothing, and scoring record. However, Zaniolo has edged in front for me following his injury.

"There’s nothing like watching him in full flight with the ball at his feet, and he is truly a gem to build this team around. His brilliance since returning to the field demonstrates his mental fortitude and desire to give everything on the pitch."

Click here to follow Wesley Davidson on Twitter.