Manchester: Roberto Mancini has confirmed Manchester City's interest in Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi. The Giallorossi vice-captain is out of contract at the end of the season and several of Europe's elite clubs are thought to be interested in the 28-year-old who has 70 caps for the Italian national team.
Mancini told Corriere Dello Sport: "It's difficult for a Roman player to leave the city, Romans are very fond of their specific life style and surroundings.
"It wouldn’t surprise me if Daniele De Rossi signs a contract extension. Alessandro Nesta managed to move away from Rome and adapt to his new surroundings. He has a different character than Daniele though.
"That doesn’t mean that we’re giving up on him. If De Rossi becomes available one day, Manchester City will try to sign [him], just like Real Madrid, Chelsea and all the other big clubs.
"He's a superb player and one of the few who would be able to blend in in a top team. He's a complete midfielder with a lot of quality and experience."
Another Serie A player out of contract in the summer is Alessandro Del Piero, who will be leaving Juventus after almost 20 years at the Turin club, and Mancini is enthusiastic that the Italian legend can continue playing, possibly in England.
"It's kind of sad that Alessandro Del Piero is leaving Juventus, but that's the way things go. He's 37 years old, but he can still enjoy himself on the pitch," he said.
"Life doesn’t end after Juventus. There are plenty of alternatives, perhaps the Premier League, but there are more options."
Mancini also discussed his time in England and hinted that he wishes to stay for a long time due to the country's love for football.
"In England, I have ended up in a nation that loves football."Mancini beamed. "Now I understand why Carlo Ancelotti wants to stay here. It's great to work here. It doesn’t all depend on the results you get."
"A club sets a goal and doesn’t fire its coach right away if things aren't going according to plans after 10 games. There's a completely different culture. Even coaches who got relegated were retained."
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