Roma turn to club legend De Rossi after sacking Jose

Daniele De Rossi is relishing the challenge of transforming Roma's fortunes after being installed as Jose Mourinho's successor. 

Following the sacking of Mourinho, 60, and his coaching staff this morning, the Serie A outfit have moved swiftly to appoint club legend De Rossi as head coach until the end of the season.

The former Italy midfielder enjoyed 18 years with the Giallorossi as a player and is delighted to return home.

De Rossi, who will be in the dugout when Roma host Verona on Saturday, said: "I would like to thank the Friedkin family for entrusting me with the responsibility of the head coach role.

"From my side, I know no other way but dedication, daily sacrifices and giving everything I have in order to face the challenges that await us from now until the end of the season. 

"The excitement of being able to sit on our bench is indescribable. Everyone knows what Roma means to me. 

"However, the work that awaits us all has already taken precedence. 

"We have no time or choice but to be competitive, fight for our goals and try to achieve them, which are the only priorities my staff and I have set for ourselves."

De Rossi, 40, made 616 appearances and scored 63 goals for the Giallorossi in all competitions, making him the club's second-highest appearance maker. 

And with the team languishing ninth in the league, owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin are banking on him giving everyone a much-needed lift. 

The duo said: "We are happy to be able to hand over the managerial role of Roma to Daniele. 

"We feel the leadership and ambition that have always defined him can prove decisive in achieving the team's objectives until the end of the season. 

"We were aware of Daniele’s unbreakable bond with the club but his enthusiasm for accepting the position convinced us even more of his ability to be a guide for the players and a proud representative of the club's values. 

"Welcome home, Daniele."