Video: Pellegrini hits back at Roma critics over ‘respect’ | OneFootball

Lorenzo Pellegrini spoke to protesting Roma supporters outside the training ground today and hit back at some of their criticism.

Claudio Ranieri was announced as the new coach today and Pellegrini stopped in his car to speak to fans outside the Trigoria training ground.

Pellegrini refutes Roma accusation

Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini applauds the fans following the UEFA Europa League round of 16 second leg football match between Brighton and Roma at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on March 14, 2024. Roma won the match 1-0. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

“I feel as badly as you do about this situation, but it is not fair for you to say I lack respect for the shirt,” said the midfielder.

“That will never be lacking from me! You don’t need to tell me that. I always showed respect for everyone. Always.

“We are not stupid, we are not pretending it’s not happening, we know things aren’t working, but the respect for Roma will never be lacking.

“You can say anything you want to me, but never that I lack respect for Roma. Never. Never.”

The captain has been targeted for particular abuse by the ultras this season during the total chaos that saw Jose Mourinho sacked in January, then Daniele De Rossi in mid-September before Ivan Juric was also dismissed less than two months later.

The 28-year-old was born and raised a Roma supporter, coming up through the youth academy and spending his entire career with the Giallorossi, save for a two-year spell at Sassuolo from 2015 to 2017.