Former Roma and Italy legend Daniele De Rossi has joined Argentinian side Boca Juniors. De Rossi, 36, has signed a 12-month deal to see out his playing days. Ex-teammate and Boca sporting director Nicolas Burdisso is said to have played a key part in bringing the World Cup winner to Argentina. Boca themselves have said: “The blue and gold will have a player of proven international hierarchy.”
Daniele De Rossi Moves to Boca Juniors
A Profile
A career spanning nearly 20 years, 616 club games, plus 117 caps for his country, De Rossi arrives with an illustrious pedigree. Having never lifted Italy’s most prestigious title, the Scudetto, a World Cup win against all the odds in 2006 will always be his greatest achievement. Ranging from his natural role as a holding midfielder to a solid centre-back, versatility has always been a key component to De Rossi’s game. His tenacity, passion and gritty nature will be key to the Xeneize in their quest for the Copa Libertadores.
Experience
With the Argentinan Superliga getting underway on Monday 29 June, De Rossi will be looking forward to one of world football’s most fiery divisions. The first clash of the season against rivals River Plate is on September 1, with Boca the visiting side. Most likely to be used as a rotational squad player, De Rossi’s experience will rub off on what is a relatively young squad. Household names such as Carlos Tevez and Juan Roman Riquelme have donned the Blue and Yellow of Boca, so De Rossi is the latest in a long list of prestigious players to grace La Bombanera.
Finale
Not here to simply make up the numbers, De Rossi said back in May: “I still want to play football, it would be unjust to me if I decide to stop now.” It would be unjust for football itself to see such a superb one-club career end so abruptly. So with Boca comes his final footballing swansong, and hopefully, it will add another chapter to a glittering journey.
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