Ferrero to Friedkins: “Rebuild Roma with Passion, Not Foreign Directors”
The tension within AS Roma continues to rise, both on and off the pitch, as poor performances and questionable management decisions have caused discontent among fans. One voice that has emerged prominently from this growing frustration is that of Massimo Ferrero, an entrepreneur and former president of Sampdoria. In a heartfelt open letter addressed to Roma’s owners, Dan and Ryan Friedkin, Ferrero passionately expressed his concerns, pleading with them to stop throwing money into failed ventures and instead focus on rebuilding the club with local expertise.
The letter, published via LaPresse, reflects Ferrero’s deep love for the club. His message is clear: Roma is in desperate need of strategic, heart-driven management and must turn away from reliance on foreign directors who fail to grasp the unique identity of the Roman club.
“Roma is Being Mismanaged by Outsiders”
Ferrero’s letter pulls no punches. He criticizes the Friedkin family for what he describes as reckless spending and poor decision-making, stating:
“Dear Friedkins, Roma needs to be rebuilt. Stop patching things up and throwing money at this team and the club.”
Ferrero emphasizes that he has been a lifelong supporter of Roma, with his connection to the club rooted in childhood memories:
“I’ve put myself against all of Sampdoria because since childhood I’ve lived and supported Roma. The Roma of Di Bartolomei, of Liedholm. I grew up in Roma’s curva; my heart pulses yellow and red.”
He insists that, while fans like himself initially welcomed the Friedkin family’s investment in the club, they now feel let down by their reliance on ill-suited advisors.
“You’ve Thrown Away 100 Million Euros”
Ferrero argues that the money spent by the Friedkin ownership has been poorly managed. He blames foreign directors, such as Monchi and Ghisolfi, for Roma’s troubles, believing they lack the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of Italian football:
“You haven’t spent 100 million; you’ve thrown it away. Because you have people around you who perhaps don’t understand this football. Roma is not a European parliament, it can’t be managed by foreign directors.”
Ferrero goes on to highlight the disconnect between the current directors and the essence of the club:
“With all the excellence we have, do we really need to hurt ourselves by bringing in people who have made us spend money in vain? We’re not the UN; we’re Roma.”
A Call for Local Expertise and Passion
Throughout the letter, Ferrero argues for the need to bring in people who understand the Roman spirit and the club’s identity. He urges the Friedkin family to seek advice from those who genuinely care about the team, rather than outsiders looking to impose foreign management styles.
“President, you should be respected for how much money you’ve invested, but Roma is not a place to play the American. Football must be followed closely, let’s form the new Roma government.”
Ferrero makes it clear that his motivation is not financial but emotional. He assures the Friedkins that his plea is driven by a lifelong passion for the club:
“I don’t want money and I’m not looking for work; I just want you to give us a dream. I spent 14 years at Sampdoria with incredible results. Football is love, passion. You want a sold-out stadium? Give us football.”
“Let’s Save Roma Together”
Ferrero closes his letter with a heartfelt appeal for unity and change. He stresses that the club’s challenges can only be resolved through passion and love for the team. At 74 years old, Ferrero says he seeks no personal gain—only the chance to see Roma restored to glory.
“We are Romans, Romanisti, and we love Roma. If you let yourself be advised with less money and more love, you’ll live every day with great satisfaction.”
The letter concludes with a personal offer to meet the Friedkin family in New York to discuss the future of the club:
“I’ll even take the first flight and come to New York: let’s save Roma.”
Conclusion: A Turning Point for AS Roma?
Ferrero’s open letter captures the frustration felt by many Roma fans who have watched their beloved club struggle under the weight of questionable management. His plea to the Friedkin family is a reminder that football is not just about money but also about passion, community, and identity.
While it remains to be seen how the Friedkins will respond to Ferrero’s appeal, the message is clear: Roma’s future lies not in foreign management but in a return to its roots, driven by those who truly understand the club’s soul.
Source: FootItalia
Be the first to comment