De Rossi: I am happy at Roma

Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi has moved to play down speculation linking him with a move away from the club, claiming that he had never wanted to leave i Giallorossi.

De Rossi, like team-mate Francesco Totti, has thus far only ever played for Roma throughout his career, and the 29-year-old has firmly established himself as a key player in the team ever since his emergence in 2001.

The Italian international is regarded by many as one of the best midfielders of his generation, and his sterling performances for both club and country have attracted potential suitors from all over the world, including the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

Although speculation has been rife that De Rossi would leave the club in January because of Roma manager Zdenek Zeman's reluctance to grant assurances to the midfielder of his place in the first team, the 2009 Italian Footballer of the Year insisted that he had no intention to leave his hometown club and claimed he was still happy to play for i Giallorossi.

"I was born in Rome," De Rossi told the New York Times.

"For me, it is the normal thing to play right here. I never tried, or really wanted, to play outside for another team.

"For me, it is amazing, great. I first came to the training centre when I was 12-years-old. It's my home.

"President James Pallotta said I am not on the market, not for sale.

"I repeat, I still love this city and the club. Everything I love is here. It would be so difficult for me if I have to change.

"If some clubs want me, my manager will have to talk with them.

"I live for this club. My story is that I live for the club and, for me, leaving would be a drama, a big drama. I would like to stay here."

Roma, currently sixth in the Serie A table on 32 points, will take on Napoli in their next league fixture.