Roma icon
Italian veteran De Rossi has long stood as one of the most-recognisable figures in Serie A.
The 35-year-old has spent his entire career to date on the books of boyhood club AS Roma, after joining the Giallorossi’s youth setup as a talented youngster in 2000.
Two weeks ago, though, following 19 long, passion-filled years at the Stadio Olimpico, De Rossi took to the pitch for the final time in Roma’s colours.
After almost two decades personifying the Gladiator spirit at the heart of the capital outfit’s midfield, across over 600 appearances, it was confirmed earlier this month that the 2006 World Cup winner’s contract would not be renewed this summer.
‘Arsenal need to bring in De Rossi’
As such, the 1st of July will see De Rossi become a free agent for the first time in his career.
As things stand, it is unclear what the combative midfielder’s plans for his next move are, with a potential MLS switch having been touted of late.
In addition, Roma president James Pallotta has confirmed that the club’s doors ‘will remain open for him to return in a new role whenever he wants.’
One individual who is of the opinion that De Rossi’s career is not yet finished at the top level, though, is Ian Wright.
As mentioned above, the Arsenal legend has this evening taken to Twitter to urge the north Londoners’ board to make a move for the Italian, insisting that the experience he would introduce to Unai Emery’s squad would be ‘invaluable’:
Arsenal need to bring in De Rossi from Roma ! We’ll get 15 games out of him, it won’t cost hardly any money, and the experience he could pass on to the likes of Willock and the other youngsters could be invaluable and money well spent.