GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE BLOG
Grazie, Radja. Grazie tantissimo.
Thank you, Radja. It pains me that we will never see you playing in the red-and-yellow colours of Roma again. Even more so that we will have to see you in the blue-and-black of Inter. But we know, deep down inside, whatever colours adorn your shirt, your heart will always beat giallorosso. This club will always be a part of you. What are we going to do now? Who can replace your energy, determination, never-say-die attitude? Who can bring us the joy that you so often have? You are a unique player; you are irreplaceable. You are the perfect storm of a midfielder. Players come and players go, but the fans remember the ones who fought for the badge. The ones who gave everything for the team and adopted the colours of the club as their own. You were one of those players, Radja. You gave every last sinew of energy for Roma. Clubs don't come across players like you very often. Players as willing, players as hungry as you. They are few and far between. You are a player who goes about your business without complaint, reaching extraordinary levels of power and ability, and inspiring others to do the same through your leadership. I don't know how long it will be until we get another like you. When I visited Stadio Olimpico for my first ever Roma match four years ago, you were one of the standout players. It was such an eye-catching performance. The way you covered the ground was incredible, your range of passing impressive. Over the years following, you proved yourself to be the complete midfielder. You have everything that could be desired in a midfield player. Everything. Four years ago you caught my eye; in the time since then, you caught my heart. You proved yourself to be a genuine Roman warrior, with immense levels of fortitude. But away from the pitch, you assumed a new personality. Your smile was infectious, your teammates fond of your kindness. Oh, Radja! How painful it is that we won't be sharing those smiles with you any more! Throughout your time at the club, you stayed fiercely loyal. The biggest clubs in the world came in for you, but you stayed at Roma out of your pride and passion for the club. You showed a loyalty that many other players have not, and you developed a sense of belonging here. Unfortunately, the days when you had a choice over your future at Roma have come to an end. It's sad to see you go, and I know you understand how much the fans will miss you. I know the feeling is mutual; that if it was up to you, you would be playing for Roma again next season. But sometimes our fate is decided for us, and now it's time for us both to turn to a new chapter. It won't be easy, but over time we will both come to terms with it. It will take a while, but at some point in the future it will sink in. One thing's for sure - after four-and-a-half seasons, 201 games, 26 assists and 33 goals (many of them incredible), you will never be forgotten at this club. Grazie Ninja. Grazie per tutto. Per sempre uno di noi.
1 Comment
Barry Goulding
25/6/2018 06:57:06 pm
I have been a fan of AS Roma for a short while, long enough to appreciate Totti and to be Totally affected by his retirement.
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samuel bannister
Founder and editor of Giallorossi Yorkshire, who is also a columnist for Roma's official website about the women's team. Categories
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