Daniele De Rossi Returns to His Roots: Buys Childhood Club Ostia Mare

Daniele De Rossi, a former AS Roma icon and ex-coach, has taken an unexpected turn in his football journey by becoming the new owner of Ostia Mare Lido Calcio, the club where he spent his formative years. Currently competing in Serie D, Italy’s fourth tier, the project represents a deeply personal and ambitious endeavor for De Rossi, who declared on Saturday his intention to remain at the helm for “30 years.”

A Return to Football, But in a New Role

After being dismissed as Roma's coach earlier this season, De Rossi has returned to football—not as a manager, but as an owner. During his official presentation, he expressed his deep connection to Ostia Mare, saying: “It wasn’t a hard decision for me. The first thing my father said was, ‘You’re crazy.’ But I love football, and I love Ostia Mare. I’ve never stopped following or caring for this club.”

Long-Term Vision for the Club

De Rossi emphasized that his commitment to the project is serious and aimed at creating lasting change. “This is a long-term project. I want to stay here for 30 years and see the fruits of our work over time,” he stated.

Not Just a Roma Affiliate

Despite his storied history with AS Roma, De Rossi made it clear that Ostia Mare will not become a subsidiary of his former club. “In the Lazio region, there are many talented young players. My love for Roma will never fade, but I don’t want to turn Ostia Mare into a place for old legends or a Roma feeder team. I want this club to stand on its own.”

Ambitions to Climb the Ranks

De Rossi’s plans for Ostia Mare are ambitious. He envisions the club climbing the ranks of Italian football and building a loyal fanbase. “The ambition is there. It’s not impossible to achieve something great. I’d love to win some championships. Imagine a 2:30 p.m. kickoff with 300 fans traveling to support us, even at away games. We may not perform miracles, but I want to bring people to watch Ostia Mare.”

Key Points About De Rossi’s New Role:

• Club: Ostia Mare Lido Calcio, currently in Serie D (4th tier of Italian football).
• Owner: Daniele De Rossi, Roma legend and former coach.
• Vision: A long-term, independent project with ambitions to rise through the Italian football ranks.
• Connection: De Rossi played for Ostia Mare as a child and has remained emotionally tied to the club.
• Goals: Create a sustainable legacy, grow the fanbase, and build a competitive team for the future.