De Rossi moans ‘horrible’ defeat

(GSM) – On Thursday, Roma were dumped out of the Europa League, losing 6-4 on aggregate to Panathinaikos.

Daniele De Rossi admitted it was ‘horrible to go out of the competition like this,’ as he felt the Giallorossi could’ve won the tournament.

Roma were handed a 3-2 defeat at their own Olimpico, the same score as in the first leg.

“It’s horrible to go out of the competition like this, especially with these wonderful fans here to support us,” said De Rossi.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t salute the crowd after the final whistle, but we were just too upset.”

Roma had been leading both in Athens and Rome, but conceded goals in quick succession which proved to be fatal.

“The penalty was the turning point and the second goal came so quickly afterwards that it knocked us for six.”

De Rossi had given the spot-kick away for his challenge on Ninis. “I touched him with my knee, but he went over when the ball had already been lost.

“It’s such a shame to go out, as we knew that the tournament didn’t have the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona and sides of that calibre. We could’ve had our say in the Europa League.”

Roma had been unbeaten in 20 official games before that Athens loss and have now fallen again.

“We are not in crisis, no matter what some may say. It’s a positive moment for the team and we must concentrate all our energy, as we are missing some important players.”