AS Roma has secured Pellegrini until 2026

In the history of AS Roma, it is not hard to find players who have spent their entire career, or the vast majority of it, at the club. Names like Francesco Totti and Daniele de Rossi are indelibly etched here. If anyone from the current Roma squad has a chance to work his way to a similar status, it is undoubtedly Lorenzo Pellegrini.

The 25-year-old midfielder is one of the Giallorossi’s key players and has been proving it with great performances this season. It is therefore no surprise that the management has offered him a contract.

And the club’s offspring did not hesitate long to sign. “I can’t express what it means to me. This is what I always wanted – to confirm my bond with this club and this city,” he told the club’s website after signing the contract.

“You can’t imagine a better feeling. I’m honoured that the people of the club regard me as an important player. I will always do my best to repay their trust with my performances on the pitch and by trying to improve all the time.”

Roma fans can also breathe a sigh of relief for another reason – Pellegrini’s original contract reportedly had a £30 million exit clause, a downright ridiculous amount for a player of his calibre these days. There should be no more clause in the new contract.

Pellegrini made his debut for Roma in 2015 at the age of 18. He subsequently left for Sassuolo, but after two years AS exercised the buy-back option. Since then, Pellegrini has developed into one of Serie A’s best midfielders, who used to be in demand across Europe during every transfer window.

Signing him for the next few years was crucial for Rome for several reasons. Not only is he a fantastic player, but Pellegrini also holds the role of captain and is one of the few offspring of the club in the entire squad.

“ Since I arrived here, our main objective has been to extend Lorenzo’s contract. So this day is very important to me.”

“Lorenzo is a great characteristic of our sporting project. He is a great player, who was born in Rome, a fan of the club and has been in our academy since he was young. He has a strong bond with the club and is therefore a fundamental pillar of what we are trying to build here.”

So far this season, Pellegrini has scored 6 goals and assisted 2, and with his goal against CSKA Sofia, he also became the first player in history to score in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference Europa League.

José Mourinho, who has been in charge of the Eternal City since this summer, is also satisfied with his charges’ performances. “Lorenzo is very important for us. He has great quality and potential. He is our captain and will be for many years to come.”

AS Roma has been waiting for a major success since 2008, when the Giallorossi dominated the Coppa Italia. Pellegrini is already one of the local fans’ favourites, but if he could help end the long wait for a trophy, his popularity would undoubtedly increase many times over.

Source: Football Italia