MILAN – Roma’s young talent, Francesco D’Alessio, expressed his gratitude to coach Jose Mourinho, whom he referred to as a “football legend,” after making his senior debut for the club in a recent match against Servette.
The 19-year-old D’Alessio entered the field in the second half, replacing Edoardo Bove in the midfield, during a match that ended in victory for Roma.
In a post-match interview with Roma TV, D’Alessio shared his thoughts on the experience, saying, “Certainly receiving Mr. Mourinho’s praise is beautiful and incredible, for those who do this job and those who try to do it.
“We all know that the coach is a staple and a football legend, having him here and working alongside him and hearing what he has to recommend is the best.”
Reflecting on his journey to this point, D’Alessio added, “If I think back to that child who, when he was 7 years old, was outside Trigoria, waiting for the players and going to watch the Primavera play, and today seeing me enter the Olimpico in front of 60 thousand people and having my family sitting here… I find it hard to believe it, It’s going to take me some time to sit down and talk to the people I love most.”
Acknowledging the support of his family, he dedicated his debut moment to them.
“Certainly, I dedicate this moment to my family, in particular, I would like to mention my brother Leonardo because we have had a difficult and quite particular year.
“He taught me not to give up and have the strength to carry on; he is certainly my cornerstone. Then there are obviously mum and dad who have been making sacrifices since I was little.
“Behind every player, there is always a working family, a dad who asks for time off to leave work early, a mother who accompanies you despite having a thousand other things to do; they are the most important. We must always be grateful to them.”
D’Alessio’s debut represents a promising start to his senior career, and his acknowledgment of Mourinho’s guidance highlights the positive impact of experienced coaches on young talents like him.
