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ROM THING TO DO
Furious Roma fans protest against club’s ruthless De Rossi contract snub
Midfielder, who has played his entire career with the Giallorossi, will leave at the end of the season
ROMA fans have taken to the streets to protest against the departure of club legend Daniele De Rossi.
Supporters are angered that De Rossi was not offered the chance to renew his contract.
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And the timing of the announcement, two weeks before the end of the season and only one day after De Rossi himself was told, was also criticised.
On Thursday, coach Claudio Ranieri - who himself will leave at the end of the season - said he would have chosen to keep De Rossi.
De Rossi himself said: "If I were a director, I would have offered me a new contract."
The 35-year-old has played his entire professional career with the Giallorossi making 615 appearances. He was offered a coaching role, but wants to continue playing.
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Banners have appeared around the city criticising the club and its US-based president James Pallotta.
Many fans are calling on Pallotta to "sell the club".
This afternoon [Friday], 600 fans gathered outside the club's offices in the city.
reported that the banners read: “Club icons are now torn down, they are defended and honoured."
WORLDWIDE PROTESTS
Another said: “These ‘directors’ are charlatans without respect!
“AS Roma represents our legend, but only those unworthy of it can call it a business.”
And another simply sent the message: "Roma belongs to us".
There have even been protests against releasing the club legend around the world.
Banners have sprung up in London, New York and Sydney as anger reaches fever pitch.
De Rossi has been restricted by injury to 14 Serie A starts this season but he has still had a galvanising effect on a young, inconsistent Roma team when he has played.
He has 117 caps for the Italy national side, scoring 21 goals.
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With two matches to go, Roma are sixth with 62 points, three outside the top four where they need to finish to qualify for the Champions League.
Atalanta, who are currently in fourth place with 65 points, have a tough match away to champions Juventus.
While fifth-placed AC Milan, ahead of Roma on their head-to-head record, host relegated Frosinone.
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