Roma striker Andrea Belotti has extended his contract with the capital club until 2025.
The Giallorossi announced this extension via their official website and shared a lengthy interview with Belotti.
“It feels amazing. When I first came to Trigoria, the size of this team, Romanisti and the city of Rome really hit me. You have to be on the inside to fully experience this. I’m so proud to be part of the club .I see this contract extension as a logical continuation of the journey that I began here a year ago.”
“I would like to thank Tiago Pinto for giving me the opportunity to play for Roma, the coach and his staff for giving me the best conditions to work and showing faith in me, as well as my teammates for making me feel like a part of the family from the start.”
“I came to Roma just as the summer transfer window closed, so it could have been difficult to sleep in. But the kindness and willingness to help shown by my team-mates, who turned out to be great people first and foremost, allowed . me to settle in quickly. The transition was seamless.”
“That game was crucial because it led us to reach the Europa League. We were so close to winning it last season and I hope that in 2023-2024 we will be able to claim the trophy.”
“To thank our fans that day was the least we could have done for them, for all their support and love they have given us in every game, whether it’s in the Coppa Italia, Serie A or the Europa League. They have always made their presence felt both at every sold-out game at the Olimpico and away, including for the final in Budapest, where they turned out in large numbers.”
“I think our fans have taken on board the way I see and experience football and how I give everything in every match. I sweat blood and tears and they appreciate that. All I can do is try to repay the love they have shown me by constantly trying to improve my performance and improve myself every day in every way.”
“The boys were actually always ready for the task, through thick and thin, throughout the campaign. It goes without saying that the strength of this team is our unity. Every time a player ended up on the treatment table, they gave their heart and soul to get back into action as quickly as possible. This is clear proof that each and every one of us is ready to put ourselves on the line for Roma.”
“I think that in both good and bad times we have always stuck by each other. I would define Roma as a family because ever since I joined the club I have seen that this sense of togetherness is not only limited to the players – it includes the coaching staff, physios, instructors and kitmen. We are a huge family where everyone is willing to contribute.”
“I never thought twice about going up. It felt natural because my first priority was to help my teammates, even though I was in pain and the broken rib was especially hard to carry.”
“The coach’s recognition of my efforts meant a lot to me because he really realized the effort I was making to help the team.”
– The hug we shared at the Olimpico when I came out against Inter is something I will remember forever because it was carried with love and sincerity. I was proud of myself for the sacrifice I showed and it also made me appreciate our coach even more because apart from all the trophies he has won, there are not many people out there with Mourinho’s human touch.”
“Mourinho is a born winner. He hammers home the importance of succeeding and he instills a winning mentality for every game. He also has a great relationship with the boys. When you think you’re going to give 100%, he’s able to draw another 30% out of you. He’s able to push your limits pretty far.”
“There have been times when we’ve been discouraged but we’ve never thrown in the towel. Even after losing the final in Budapest we didn’t let it get to us and we went on to win our last home game of the season ahead of our fans. We will never succumb to feeling hopeless and resigned.”
“Bono’s rescue in the Europa League final? It would have been a perfect way to end the season, but unfortunately their goalkeeper did a fantastic job, he didn’t even let it go out for a corner. I have been left to imagine how things would have been if the ball had gone in.”
“Statistically, it wasn’t a good campaign for me, but it is what it is. The only way to turn things around is to dig deep every day.”
“There are many things that stick in my mind from my first season here. One that sticks in my mind that I will remember forever is the second leg at home in the Feyenoord game. Their fans were not allowed to attend, and then for the first time I saw the whole Olimpico in yellow and red. I clearly remember when the anthem was played, seeing the whole stadium packed. That moment gave me goosebumps.”
“The fans? They are incredible. I want to thank them for all the support they have given us and which I am sure they will always give for this club. All we can do is go into the pitch with the sole purpose of giving them joy, doing our best to win trophies and bring them happiness.”