Pellegrini clarifies stance on Roma stay: ‘This is a special club, it’s my home’ | OneFootball

Lorenzo Pellegrini has made it clear that he wishes to continue with his beloved Roma, despite transfer rumours linking him with a move away from the Stadio Olimpico in recent weeks. ‘This is a special club, it’s my home,’ the Giallorossi captain told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Italy international sat down for an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, published on Saturday, during which he spoke about his desire to stay with Roma, his relationship with Claudio Ranieri and his performance in the derby victory over Lazio last week.

Pellegrini: Roma is ‘a special club, it’s my home’

After netting what was his third career goal against Lazio during last week’s 2-0 Derby della Capitale victory, Pellergini was asked about his celebration. He was seen beating his chest and pointing to the club crest for a long time after his goal went in.

AS Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini celebrates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and SS Lazio, in Rome, Italy, 05 January 2025. EPA-EFE/ETTORE FERRARI

“It was a gesture to say that for me, this is a special club, it’s my home,” Pellegrini said.

He continued: “There will never be a day in which Pellegrini gives any less for Roma, it’s just like that. Regardless of what’s being said about me or my teammates, those who know us know that we come to Trigoria to do good for Roma.

“Whether it’s playing, starting on the bench, the commitment is always at a maximum, because this is a very special shirt.”

Asked how it feels to have scored a decisive goal in the derby match against Lazio, Pellegrini added: “Good, even though I had been fine for a few weeks before.

“In that sense, there was maybe a little too much talk about my mood. It was normal that I was feeling a bi angry, things weren’t going well for us. And I spoke about this with the coach. He knows me well, we’re similar in some ways and that means he understands me.

“He’s been exceptional. He’s given me, the team and the city the calmness we needed.”

ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 12: Lorenzo Pellegrini celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma, during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between AS Roma and SC Braga at Stadio Olimpico on December 12, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Delving further into his relationship with Ranieri, Pellegrini added: “We’ve always had a good relationship, the kind where you don’t have to say much. For example, the famous chat before Lazio lasted about two minutes. Then we hugged.

“It’s a feeling. I love him, I respect him as a person even more than as a coach. He has put everything back in order. It’s normal that you come across a few difficulties, but everything seems right with him in charge now.”