Marco Motta reflects on Roma and Juve spells

After turning out for a clutch of Serie A clubs– most notably Roma and Juventus – the full-back left Italy to continue his career abroad. He experienced English football (Watford, Charlton), played in Spain (Almeria) and even plied his trade in Cyprus (Omonia Nicosia), but Motta’s current team is even further off the beaten track: Persija Jakarta of Indonesia.

And 34-year-old Motta, who made 42 appearances for the Giallorossi in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons, has a special fondness for his time in the capital: “I’ve not forgotten Rome – I never will.”

Let’s start with the present. Moving to Indonesia to play football is an unusual choice!

“I have to say that I’m enjoying it here. Things started very well – Indonesian football was a real revelation, for many reasons – but then my experience was abruptly put on hold because of what’s been happening all over the world.”

How did you get on during the first lockdown and the rest of the pandemic?

“I was in Jakarta, in Indonesia, in February and March. The situation was going on there too, but it wasn’t as serious as it was in Italy, with cities completed deserted and huge numbers of infections every day. You could walk around pretty openly. The schools were closed, though, so my kids were doing remote learning. Right now, I’m in Milan. Thankfully none of us have had COVID, but we don’t know when the Indonesian league is going to be able to start up again.”

How long has the league been on hold for?

“Since March 2020, so nearly a year. We’ve trained and had some friendlies, but there have been no competitive games. They’ve set dates for the restart a few times, but the local authorities have continually delayed them due to public order reasons. There’s a huge following for football there – it’s almost like a religion.”

Really, a religion?

“Yes, it’s the place that reminds me the most of Rome in that respect. There are 60,000 or 70,000 fans in the stadium for every single game. The vast majority of the revenue of each club comes from tickets. Persija fans are known for being among the most passionate in Asia.”

And that passion reminds you of Rome?

“Rome is unforgettable. The Giallorossi fans gave me motivation, adrenaline… Seeing the Olimpico right behind you gave you that extra push to raise your game. I had two fantastic, exciting years there – we were 45 minutes away from winning the Scudetto. At half time in that Verona game, we were the champions. I still feel a bit of disappointment from that. And to be honest, more than ten years down the line, I can admit that I should have thought more carefully before leaving Roma.”

You went to Juventus.

“Yes, but it’s not because of the club I joined. I enjoyed my time there and at the start I was part of a team that went on to win the Scudetto, even if I didn’t get any playing time under [Antonio] Conte. That’s a shame, because his football is made for full-backs like me. It was quite similar to the style [Paulo] Fonseca plays now.”

Roma’s wing-backs are one of their biggest strengths.

“Exactly. I think [Rick] Karsdorp’s goal against Spezia basically sums up his philosophy. Cross from [Leonardo] Spinazzola from the left, goal from the Dutchman on the other side. I really like the attacking mindset of the team. Roma are playing well under Fonseca – they’re doing well in the table.”

You mentioned Karsdorp, who plays in a similar position to you. Have you been surprised by the way he’s broken through this season after a few campaigns where he’d struggled and had to deal with injury problems?

“I like him – he has a good engine. Perhaps he can still improve defensively. He’s clearly an attacking full-back who likes to push forward, like me."

So will Roma have a bit of an advantage tomorrow without the pressure of the Allianz Stadium atmosphere?

“They’ll certainly be calmer. It’s definitely strange playing in a stadium without fans. It’s the kind of atmosphere you get in training during the week. It basically eradicates home advantage. Roma have a chance. I hope the result matches your expectations…”

We can tell you still have a fondness for Rome…

“Absolutely, as I’ve already said. I was lucky enough to play for one of the biggest clubs in the country. I was coached by two managers that were very different but both capable: [Luciano] Spalletti and [Claudio] Ranieri. I owe Spalletti a lot for teaching me many things and for bringing me to the club – he gave me the chance to make the step up from an average-sized club like Udinese and go to a top club like Roma. He showed faith in me from the off, picking me for the Champions League Round of 16 against Arsenal. Great memories, fantastic moments… My years in Rome, at Roma, helped improve me and make me the man I am today.”

"Seeing the Olimpico right behind you gave you that extra push to raise your game."

- Marco Motta