Pellegrini: ‘Life is unpredictable, I seemed on the verge of leaving’ Roma | OneFootball

Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini admits ‘life is unpredictable’ as he seemed on the verge of leaving this summer: ‘I returned from the start and scored to win the derby.’

Pellegrini scored his fourth goal in a Rome derby on Sunday, contributing to a 1-0 win against the Giallorossi city rivals Lazio.

Pellegrini comments on the winning Roma goal vs. Lazio

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma passes the ball during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“There is so much, I did get moved after the goal. Not everyone knows, but since I got hurt, those close to me know how much I cared about getting back here,” Pellegrini told DAZN.

“If I managed it today, to start the match and win the derby for my people, that is for my family. You are all my family and helped me during this difficult time.

“I know there are those who love me in the stands, and I never doubted it. I love them too. I believe this team has so much more to give, as so many great men with character who care about Roma are in here, and I feel proud to be one of the many captains, those responsible for passing on the passion for Roma to those who have just arrived and haven’t realised where they are.

“That includes Mancini, who is my brother from another mother.”

The Italian defender joined Pellegrini for a post-match interview with DAZN.

Pellegrini was linked with leaving the Stadio Olimpico during the summer transfer window and his future at the club remains uncertain given that his contract runs out in June 2026.

“Aside from all the reasoning and words, there is one constant, which is that I love Roma,” said Pellegrini.

“As long as I wear this jersey, there won’t be a moment when I will hold back. Life is unpredictable; you don’t know what could happen next. After all, I seemed on the verge of leaving and then got hurt, but I returned from the start and scored to win the derby.

“Now what I’d love is to score under the Curva Sud and run under there to celebrate with my fans, but honestly, a goal anywhere is fine, under the Sud, the Nord, even the stands on the side if they put a net there!”

Lazio 0-1 Roma: Mancini’s post-match comments

Referee Luca Pairetto speaks with Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on January 05, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Pellegrini’s teammate Mancini added: “We have always had captains without the armband, like Bryan, Stephan, those of us who are older in the locker room and it is a great strength to have many leaders.

“This was the 15th derby for me, but every time there are butterflies in the stomach. Those who come from outside cannot understand what the derby means, maybe they realise it during the warm-ups.”

Pellegrini was Football Italia’s MOTM alongside his teammate Devyne Rensch.

Roma have now won three games from four in Serie A and have nine points in the table.

Lazio, on the other hand, have only collected three points with one win and three defeats. Two Lazio players, Reda Belahyane and Matteo Guendouzi, were sent off today.