Galantic on Friedkin ownership and Soulé's goal: 'I lost my head'

Roma CEO John Galantic spoke at the Festival dello Sport in Trento alongside head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, discussing his first months at the club, the Friedkin ownership, and the strategy to build a sustainable and competitive organisation. Galantic described his arrival as a baptism by fire, joining during the summer transfer window and a pre-season training camp in Wales. He praised the ownership's ambition and noted Roma's qualification to the Champions League and strong league start under Gasperini. "We don't wait for others: we go and get the ball," he said of the club's approach. "I was also fortunate to arrive at a very positive moment, after the qualification secured by Gian Piero and the squad, and now with this fine start to the campaign." On working with Friedkin, Galantic highlighted their enthusiasm but reserved public profile. "Dan Friedkin built an empire with several sectors. I was surprised to see that the more time passes, you don't find interviews on other subjects either," he explained. "They are private and asked me to speak. For the matches they are always involved, and you don't make these investments if you don't believe." Galantic outlined three pillars for long-term growth: developing young talent in-house like Emanuele Lulli and Niccolò Pisilli, strengthening the Under 23 and link between that level and the first squad, and synergies with Cannes. "Every year we want to put new players developed in-house to grow and have a sustainable model. In four years the stadium will change everything—it raises revenue and allows us a very important sporting and economic jump," he said. On January targets, he remained non-committal: "We are always alert, we see if there are opportunities. We want to grow this squad."

John Galantic, speaking at the Festival dello Sport in Trento alongside head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, outlined Roma's long-term vision under owner Dan Friedkin, emphasising the owner's complete commitment to the project despite his typically reserved public profile. Galantic, who moved to Roma from a chief executive role at a luxury company in Milan after years of discussions with the Friedkins, described the decision as one driven by passion and conviction rather than career advancement. He underscored the importance of sustainable growth, explaining that the club cannot rely on profit from player sales alone. "We must grow more talent in-house like Lulli and Pisilli," he said, referencing academy prospects. Roma's strategy involves three pillars: renovating the youth system with staff including D'Amico and Margiotta; developing the pathway between the Primavera and first team through the Under-23 side; and strengthening the partnership with the club's squad in Cannes, which operates in a talent-rich market. "Every year we want to add new players developed in-house to grow and have a sustainable model." Galantic stressed that Friedkin's investment strategy is backed by genuine belief rather than casual involvement. "They are always inside for the matches and you don't make these investments if you don't believe in them," he said. He highlighted the planned stadium redevelopment as transformational: "In four years the stadium will change everything, raising revenue and allowing us a very important sporting and economic leap." When asked whether Roma would sign a left-winger for Gasperini without selling anyone in January, Galantic remained cautious: "We are always vigilant, we see if there are opportunities. We want to grow this squad."

Roma CEO John Galantic spoke at the Trento Sports Festival, where he is appearing alongside head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Galantic described his appointment as a baptism of fire in the summer transfer window and praised the club's recruitment, noting Roma's return to the Champions League after finishing third in Serie A last season. Galantic explained the Friedkin Group's approach to running the club, saying they are reserved and chose not to give interviews themselves. "They have surprised me for their enthusiasm in this project," he said. "For a Roman it is difficult to understand the idea of staying silent but Dan Friedkin created an empire with several sectors. The more time passes and you don't find interviews even on other subjects... that's how it is. They are reserved and asked me to speak. For the matches they are always inside and you don't make these investments if you don't believe in it." Galantic, who previously worked as CEO of a luxury company in Milan, called his move to Roma a decision driven by passion rather than career advancement, explaining he needed conviction from the ownership that the club could win something significant. On long-term planning, Galantic outlined Roma's strategy for sustainability: "You cannot live on capital gains; you must grow more talent in-house like Lulli and Pisilli. We have three projects: renovating the youth academy, we have people like D'Amico and Margiotta. Then another growth stage between the Primavera and the first team. The Under-23 is what we need. Then synergies with the team in Cannes, which is in the richest talent market. Every year we want to put new players developed in-house to grow and have a sustainable model." He added that a new stadium will transform the club's economics within four years, enabling a significant sporting and economic leap. On potential January transfers, he said the club remains vigilant and will pursue opportunities if they arise to grow the squad. Galantic also expressed confidence in Roma's centenary celebration as a moment to honour the club's legends while building toward the future during a phase of strong growth.