Roma World No. 16: Venezuela

This week we travel to Venezuela to speak to Fabrizio Perez, a young Roma fan whose passion for the club has been stoked by the examples set by Totti and De Rossi…

Name: Fabrizio Pérez
Age: 20
City: Barquisimeto
Country: Venezuela

Where did you grow up?

In Barquisimeto, Venezuela.

Why did you choose Roma?

Because my father is a Romanista too, and so since I was very young I have listened to him as he talked about Roma and celebrated their victories.

What is your first memory of Roma?

The last Scudetto. I was only seven years old when I heard my father celebrate like a crazy man! I was not used to watching much football at that time, but the images of the fans invading the pitch on that day is something that will never be erased from my mind!

Who was your first Roma hero and why?

Francesco Totti, of course, because he was and remains the reference point of the team. He is a legend and a champion on and off the field.

Who has been your favorite Roma manager and why?

Although I was not alive to see his sides, Nils Liedholm is my favorite manager - I've seen videos of his team, the personality he had and what he achieved with the club.

However, Rudi Garcia is my second favorite manager and I hoped he was going to bring us some trophies.

What has been your lowest point supporting Roma?

My lowest point when supporting Roma was when I wasn’t able to watch much football on TV. I think that since I’ve followed the club (and since the new American owners came in) there has not really been a low point.

In good times and bad times I've been fully behind the squad, but that does not mean that I have not been bothered by some defeats … or draws!

Have you been to a Roma match and if so, what was your memory of your first game?

I have not yet been to a Roma match – the only time I have been to Italy it was the summer, so there were no games on!

Where were you when Roma last won the Scudetto?

In my grandparents' house. As I said, my dad watched that game and all I can remember is seeing him going mad about it all. When I saw the television, the fantastic invasion on the pitch of all the fans at the the Olimpico, I was in love.

Do Roma have a passionate fan base in the city you live?

No, there are not many of us in Barquisimeto and we have not yet been able to find enough to form some kind of supporters’ club.

Which team do you most enjoy seeing Roma beat?

Lazio and Juventus.

What makes Roma so special to you?

I do not think words can explain it ... I consider myself a loyal person: loyal with my family, to the girlfriends I've had, and loyal with my friends. In Totti I find someone who has always been similarly loyal to his beloved club and so I have always really identified with that.

Then came De Rossi and Florenzi, and of course before that there was icons like Di Bartolomei, who swore great love for Rome, so it has always had strong ties like that.

The passion of the fans makes me feel even more love for the team. In Roma I have found an escape from my problems - no matter what might happen, Roma will always be there to fill me with emotions.

I could never be ashamed of being a fan of AS Roma, rather I am proud to be a Romanista and not follow the clubs that are usually supported in my country: Clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid. For me Roma will always be bigger and more powerful than any other club.

But as I said, my words fall short in expressing how special Roma is to me.

What does Totti mean to you?

An icon, a legend, a reference point, the player who I try to imitate when I play football, the captain of the team and the whole city, the emperor of Rome.

Totti is synonymous with Roma and Roma is synonymous of Totti. Although I was born in Venezuela I feel that I am a Roman and a Romanista - so how can I not love him?

Who is your favourite current player and why?

I love Totti and De Rossi equally. Totti has the quality and De Rossi has the personality. Nainggolan also because he is a warrior (I also have hair like him now!).

If you could meet anyone connected to Roma - past or present - who would it be and why?

Totti, De Rossi, Florenzi and Nainggolan. The first three because they are Romans, and Romanistas too. And they are top players for me. I also would have loved to meet Di Bartolomei, aside from being a legend he was one of the truest Romanistas of all.

What makes you most proud to be a Roma supporter?

It is a team that has not had to win a lot of trophies in its history to make me fall in love. And having players who are fans of the team as much as I, or maybe more, who have had the chance to go to bigger clubs and instead preferred to stay at Roma. That’s special.

Finally, what would be your perfect day as a Roma fan?

The perfect day for me as a fan of the Roma is the day that I can work for the team, sharing every day with players and helping the team to become even better!

Follow Fabrizio on Twitter: @FabrizioPR

Get updates from Roma’s Spanish language Twitter account: @ASRomaEspanol