Mourinho renews criticism of Taylor over Seville-Roma incident

José Mourinho, now Real Madrid's coach, has spoken about his time at Roma and reflected on winning the UEFA Europa Conference League with the club in 2022. Speaking on the podcast 'Beast Mode On', Mourinho described the victory and subsequent celebrations as uniquely special. He said: "When we won the Conference with Roma the city went crazy. Something happens there that other cities cannot do even winning the Champions League. Roma is a city where people are really, really, really in love with the club. A giant club with absolutely incredible passion. We won the first Conference and Europe did not see it as it does now. When we returned to Rome and made the parade between the Colosseum and Circus Maximus we realized what we had truly given to those fans. It was not a matter of José Mourinho. At my beginnings I was focused on myself, my feelings, my victories, thinking about my future. Then I went more towards others, on what I could do for others and the fans. What we did in Rome is the thing that made me realize what we could do for people. It was an incredible thing. I have won the Champions League, I have managed in the Premier League, Inter, Real Madrid. But thinking about others is a beautiful feeling." Mourinho also revisited his deepest regret linked to Roma: the 2014 Europa League final against Seville. He expressed a desire to replay that match, citing concerns about the officiating in that fixture.

Journalists and former players from Rome's radio stations discussed Roma's transfer activity and the Greenwood situation. Lorenzo Pes from Tele Radio Stereo reported that Greenwood has no agreement with Fenerbahce but Roma is advanced in negotiations with the player. However, the deal is postponed until after 30 June for accounting reasons. Pes explained: "If you need to record profit sales by the end of the month, you cannot present yourself with a €50 million purchase on 28 June." According to Pes, a private agreement exists stipulating that from 1 July, the asking price for Greenwood's exit will be €60 million. He noted that Marseille is currently requesting €55 million, making little practical difference between now and ten days later. Roberto Pruzzo from Radio Radio addressed speculation about defending Koné, suggesting Roma should not erect barriers to departures during a difficult period for Italian football. Pruzzo indicated he was pleased Greenwood lacks market interest elsewhere, warning that a more affluent club could otherwise offer superior terms. He suggested that if Koné, described as a good player, attracts attention from Atlético Madrid—a club willing to spend when targeting a player—departure would be inevitable. The radio discussion reflected broader debate about Roma's summer market strategy and player retention.

Pier Paolo Mariani, the historic surgeon who operated on Francesco Totti and many Roma players, has shared memories of treating the Roma legend in an interview with Corriere della Sera. Mariani performed two operations on Totti — one on his ankle and another on his cruciate ligament. He revealed that Totti feared syringes and operating rooms, and was reassured during procedures by his fitness trainer Vito Scala. After Totti's February 2006 injury, the player initially believed his World Cup dream was over, telling Mariani: "Professor, listen, it's better if I don't fool myself." However, national team coach Marcello Lippi visited Totti and promised: "I'll wait for you at all costs," which restored his hope. Mariani provided reassurance with concrete calculations, telling Totti: "You will play," and demonstrating his recovery timeline. Totti trained intensively — sometimes eight to ten hours daily — and not only recovered in time for the 2006 World Cup but became world champion with Italy. Mariani recalled watching Totti's early tournament matches with anxiety before relaxing as the player's form improved. He emphasized his own modest role, stating: "I was happy for him, not for me. I hadn't done anything particularly special." Totti's mother, Fiorella, later wrote a letter of gratitude to Mariani, expressing her immense gratitude for enabling her son to achieve his World Cup dream "against all odds."