The unusual place Daniele De Rossi placed his World Cup medal as Roma legend tipped to replace Jose Mourinho

Daniele De Rossi's most selfless gesture has been revealed ahead of his expected appointment as Roma manager.

The Giallorossi have parted company with Jose Mourinho after less than three years at the helm.

The decision comes after a poor run of form which left Roma in eighth position in Serie A.

His final game in charge was a 1-0 defeat to rivals Lazio in the Coppa Italia.

Roma's American owners, Dan and Ryan Friedkin, were said to be "highly unhappy" with results and early indications suggest that club legend Daniele De Rossi is in the frame.

Fabrizio Romano says the former Italy international is the favourite for the job.

He came through the youth ranks and played 600 times and captained the side before a brief spell at Boca Juniors.

His only managerial experience is taking charge of Serie B, while he was on the Italy coaching staff under Roberto Mancini.

Image: Getty

De Rossi is one of football's genuine hardmen and a natural leader who epitomised selfnesses.

His most selfless act saw him give away his most prized possession in the most amazing way imaginable.

De Rossi placed his World Cup winners' medal in the coffin of former Italy kitman Pietro Lombardi when he passed away in 2016.

Nicknamed 'The Toothbrush' because of how handy he was at leaning the players' boots, Lombardi was a huge hit with the Italy squad, including De Rossi.

And so when it came to his funeral, De Rossi finished training and hurried along to the funeral.

Image: Getty

He took his medal along and placed it in the coffin to show just how much he meant to him.

A passage from Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport at the time read: "On Wednesday morning, De Rossi finished his training rather hurriedly and went off as if he had another important engagement.

"He went to Florence to attend the funeral of Pietro Lombardi, the former Italy kitman, who had passed away aged 92.

"He left training in the morning and put his World Cup winner's medal in his pocket before driving to Florence.

"There, he greeted his friend for the final time and put his most valuable possession into the coffin."

Topics: AS Roma, Serie A

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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