Rodrigo Taddei is a Roman legend. Not many players can say that they have played anywhere close to 200 matches for a single club; Rodrigo has done that and more.
His recent goal in Roma’s midweek clash against Parma was nothing special compared to one which Francesco Totti scored earlier in the evening. Taddei’s was a mere header off of a corner which happened to catch Antonio Mirante off guard. Roma were up three goals with Taddei’s contribution, it was not a game winner by any means.
What was significant about the goal was the celebration that followed. With the whole Stadio Olimpico chanting his name he jumped onto the fence that contains the supporters of the Curva Sud, embracing those fortunate enough to be in the immediate vicinity. There’s a possibility that it could be one of the last goals he will ever score for the club.
Currently on the last year of his contract, Taddei has played a reduced role for the Giallorossi in recent years. At the start of the year many thought that this could potentially be his swansong. Former teammate and World Cup champion Simone Perrotta had hung up his boots at the conclusion of last season, choosing to slip into an early retirement. Of the decision, Perrotta told reporters about his future with Roma that “It is only right their project continue moving forward with the players they consider to be valid”.
This of course was after playing a bit part during Roma’s 2012-2013 Serie A campaign, figuring little in Zeman and caretaker Aurelio Andreazzoli’s plans. Rodrigo Taddei meanwhile took part in just four league matches in an extremely troublesome season for the Brazilian; I for one was saddened to see this footballer, once integral to his side’s success, barely feature at all. It seemed that he too would be next in line as a storied player to hang up the boots. It was not that long ago after all that he was starring in Roma’s Champions League campaigns as a pacey winger with a tendency to attempt the remarkable and succeed.
Enter Rudi Garcia, someone who has given Rodrigo Taddei opportunities to demonstrate why he is still relevant to the future of this club – he has allowed him to take more of a leadership role. Roma’s third longest tenured player after Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi, Taddei has stuck around for long enough to be deserving of such a role. His teammates respect him, they appreciate the value of his contributions to the squad.
The factor most important to this is his return to the midfield; under Luis Enrique and Zeman, Taddei had transitioned from winger to full-back out of necessity. He may not have the acceleration to beat the last defender which had previously put him in Azzurri (he possesses dual-citizenship of both Italy and Brazil) contention anymore, but as a defensive midfielder he shields his centre-backs capably.
This season, Rodrigo Taddei has already surpassed doubling the amount of matches he took part in the previous year. Despite not being a starter, whenever called upon he has delivered – the Roma supporters appreciate this dedicated service to the club, hence the tremendous ovation he received. Beloved for nearly a decade and having just turned 34 years old there is even potential for him to enter the AS Roma Hall of Fame in time for the opening of the Stadio della Roma, though hopefully he will remain playing long enough to enjoy it from on the pitch rather than the stands.
His agent has confirmed this dream by publicly stating that Taddei wishes to remain with Roma for the immediate future. Rudi Garcia has also expressed interest in resigning him when asked about the subject; Taddei has performed aptly when called upon by the Frenchman. Despite all of the talk from both sides and the quality of his play, Rodrigo Taddei has yet to resign. With Kevin Strootman out for the remainder of the year, expect to see much more of Taddei in the coming months at the very least. The goal against Parma was a touching moment – it might just be one of the last few Rodrigo Taddei will ever have in the Italian capital.
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