The Bosnian’s goal against Inter drew an animated response from the captain but he was quick to move on while reiterating his team-mate deserves more credit
Daniele De Rossi has brushed away his angry reaction towards Roma fans in defence of Edin Dzeko, when he appeared to call them ‘pieces of s***’.
Why always Mario? What we learned in Europe this weekend
The incident happened after the much-maligned striker opened the scoring in Sunday’s 2-1 Serie A triumph over Inter, deftly touching home Bruno Peres’ cross in the fifth minute.
Dzeko’s strike was his fifth in eight appearances for Roma this term, yet the Bosnian has struggled to win fans over in the capital after a disappointing debut season last time around.
And captain De Rossi appeared to make reference to the unfair criticism as he gestured animatedly towards the Stadio Olimpico support during team celebrations.
Television replays showed he appeared to shout an expletive in their direction, but he joked afterwards that he could not remember what he said while praising Dzeko for his exploits.
Not good enough – No Modric and no ideas as Madrid slip up again
“What did I say to the fans? I don’t remember… maybe I told them to buy the jersey of Dzeko, but in Bosnian,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“After a goal you say a bit of everything, you shout, it can happen. I must say that when the most contested players score, like Edin, we are all happier, because he is suffering this situation.
“He is one that creates many chances and is not always is able to exploit them. He deserves it because he’s a good guy.”