Daniele De Rossi admits he idolised fellow midfielder Roy Keane during his glittering playing career at Roma.
The 35-year-old will play his final game for the Giallorossi when they host Parma at the Stadio Olympico on Sunday, and says Nottingham Forest assistant boss Keane was his idol, and dedicated the birth of his daughter to the fiery Irishman.
Rossi has played 615 times for the Italian giants, and admits to being somewhat starstruck when he met the Manchester United legend a couple of years ago, but found the courage to ask to have his picture taken with him.
“He’s the only person in the world I’ve asked for a photo, two years ago,” he explained. “I was too embarrassed with (Diego) Maradona but I couldn’t resist with him."
Speaking previously, Keane admitted to being impressed with De Rossi’s warrior-like spirit.
“De Rossi, the midfielder, I really like. I've mentioned warriors, he's up there, a really good player,” said Martin O’Neill’s number two.
World Cup winner De Rossi also revealed Keane was behind his desire to wear the number 16 shirt in Rome and for the Azzurri, while the birth of his daughter, Gaia, was dedicated to the former United captain who enjoyed such a trophy-laden career at Old Trafford.
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"In my opinion, the legendary Manchester United captain needs no introduction.
“He's my all-time idol. The ’16′ on my shirt is, along with the birthday of my daughter Gaia, dedicated to him.”
