De Rossi hints at Roma future

Daniele De Rossi wants to captain Roma, in a sign he is set to stay at the Serie A club.

There has been widespread speculation over the 28-year-old midfielder’s contract arrangements with Roma, with his current terms expiring in 2012.Some have claimed a new deal has been signed, while the official line from the club centres around ongoing talks.Roma president Thomas Di Benedetto said last week was confident vice-captain and youth product De Rossi would sign an extension.Just days later, however, Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini revealed his club would be keen on the Italy international if he failed to reach a settlement with the Serie A side.De Rossi has now claimed he would be ready to step into Francesco Totti’s shoes in future and become the new captain.”Future captain? I cannot see myself being labelled this, but there is a precise explanation – once the current captain stops playing then I will take the armband,” De Rossi told Radio 2 Rai.”Do I need to reassure fans over my future? Well, the heart is there for it to beat fast.”While ruling out the Serie A title this campaign, the midfielder said he wanted to help Roma fight for a Champions League place.”Will we win this year? I am afraid not, but everyone dreams of playing in the Champions League or winning the Scudetto,” he said.Roma are fifth in on the Serie A table and play Udinese on Friday. ?