In a bid to calm troubled waters, the normally quiet American owner of AS Roma, the Friedkin Group, has issued a statement to reassure fans following a tumultuous week for the Italian club. This statement, released on Monday, comes on the heels of the Texas-based Friedkin Group, led by Dan and Ryan Friedkin, reaching an agreement to purchase a majority stake in English Premier League club Everton. The deal is still pending approval from English football authorities.
The Friedkin Group, in a statement on the Roma website, emphasized their unwavering commitment to AS Roma, stating, “We love the beautiful game. The potential addition of Everton to our portfolio does not alter our focus on AS Roma. If anything, the multi-club symbiosis will only help Roma. Each club in our portfolio operates independently and AS Roma remains at the heart of our football ambitions. Rest assured, our commitment of time, resources, and energy to Roma will not be diminished.”
This reassurance comes amidst a wave of fan unrest triggered by the sudden dismissal of Roma coach and former captain Daniele De Rossi on Wednesday. The decision sparked outrage among supporters, leading to protests before and during Roma’s first game under new coach Ivan Jurić on Sunday. Despite the turmoil, Roma secured a 3-0 victory over Udinese, marking their first win of the season.
Addressing the De Rossi situation, the Friedkin Group stated, “Let us say this; we have the utmost respect for Daniele and believe he will have a great career as a coach. Maybe even one day back at Roma. The decision to part ways with him was incredibly difficult, but we made it with the belief that it gives us the best opportunity to compete for trophies this season.”
While the acquisition of Everton represents a significant expansion for the Friedkin Group’s football portfolio, the statement clarifies that both clubs will operate independently, with AS Roma remaining a focal point of their ambitions. This reassurance aims to alleviate concerns among Roma fans and assure them of the group’s dedication to the Italian club’s future.
