The former Roma midfielder reflects on his three years in the capital, praises José Mourinho and reveals his wish to have played under Gian Piero Gasperini.
Jordan Veretout still holds Roma close to his heart. Speaking to Retesport, the French midfielder reflected on his time with the Giallorossi, the unforgettable Conference League triumph and the affection his family continues to feel for the Italian capital.
Now playing in Doha, Veretout even left the door open to a return.
“If Roma call, my wife says she wants to go back to the capital,” he joked, before adding: “I’m not finished. I can still lend a hand. If Roma want me, I’m here.”
“Three spectacular years”
Veretout described his Roma spell as a period that meant as much to his family as it did to him professionally.
“I spent three spectacular years in Rome. I loved it, my family felt very comfortable there and I made lots of friends,” he said. “It was difficult to leave Roma. We had won the Conference League, and leaving was hard.”
The opportunity to join Marseille ultimately convinced him that the time was right to return to France.
“There was an offer from Marseille, a big club in France like Roma are in Italy, and after three years it was the right moment to move on.”
Admiration for Gasperini
Veretout remains a regular Roma viewer and is particularly enthusiastic about Gian Piero Gasperini’s approach.
“I really enjoy watching Roma. It’s vertical football, intense, with constant pressure. When I see Roma’s defenders getting forward to score, it’s spectacular,” he said. “I hope the Giallorossi can win the Scudetto this year.”
The midfielder believes he would have enjoyed playing in Gasperini’s system, having experienced a similar approach under Igor Tudor at Marseille.
“With my attributes, I would have enjoyed myself and certainly improved further,” he explained. “When I was at Roma, Atalanta wanted me, so I think Gasperini wanted me in his team.”
Mourinho and an unforgettable European triumph
Veretout also spoke warmly about José Mourinho, despite reduced playing time towards the end of his Roma career and unsuccessful talks over a contract extension.
“I had a good relationship with Mou. He was always very close to the players. He was, and remains, number one,” he said.
“We won with him. He got into the players’ heads, and that will stay with us forever.”
The Conference League celebrations remain among his most treasured memories.
“It was a difficult competition, and we wanted to win it from the start. When we celebrated in central Rome with thousands of supporters, it gave me goosebumps—and it still does today. I show the footage to my son.”
Praise for Koné and a lasting bond with the fans
Looking back at his own contributions, Veretout recalled the pressure of scoring his first Roma goal from the penalty spot against Napoli, after Edin Džeko and Aleksandar Kolarov handed him the ball in front of the Curva Sud.
He also revealed his regret at never playing alongside Radja Nainggolan at Roma, describing the Belgian as the best midfielder in Serie A in his eyes.
As for the current side, Veretout has been following fellow Frenchman Manu Koné with particular affection.
“I’m happy he’s doing well in a Roma shirt, and I hope he wins there because it’s special.”
That connection extends beyond the pitch. Veretout remains in contact with people at the club and continues to cherish the atmosphere created by Roma’s supporters.
“Roma have stayed in my heart,” he said. “The fans are among the best in Europe for passion and warmth. I hope they get to win and celebrate a lot. They deserve it for the love they have for the Giallorossi colours.”
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