Greek defenders in Roma history reach ten with Koulierakis arrival

Gianluca Mancini has declared his intention to spend his entire career at Roma following his contract renewal with the club. Speaking from the Welsh training camp, the defender said: "Roma for me is home. Then in football you never know, but I hope it can be like this: Roma for life." Mancini also discussed his recent performances in the Derby della Capitale, saying he did not anticipate scoring twice and only fully grasped the significance during a break: "Before it seemed to me that I had only done my duty, it was like scoring two goals against Milan, Juventus or Inter. Then I understood." Mancini underlined his emotional attachment to the club, referencing a tattoo he pledged to get in December if Roma qualified for the Champions League. "SPQR is a beautiful inscription and it sums up the bond I have with the city and with the club," he said. He also praised the role of those supporting him, noting: "I am not crazy, but you cannot command the heart. When I signed we hugged each other. And he was happy to see me happy." On the absence of Lorenzo Pellegrini from the squad, Mancini described the midfielder as a lifelong friend and an important figure in the dressing room: "But he is missed by everyone, we hope he can reach us soon. He is an important figure for the dressing room and as a player he can give us a great helping hand."

Donyell Malen has expressed his commitment to Roma and his ambition to win Serie A with the club, comparing it to their 2001 scudetto celebrations at Rome's Circo Massimo. Speaking to Il Messaggero during Roma's preseason training camp in Wales, the forward said: "With my family we're doing well, I'm scoring, my relationship with the squad is excellent, the fans are splendid. Right now there would be no reason to think about changing air. A few weeks ago I was watching footage of the 2001 title celebrations at Circo Massimo. Repeating an experience like that would be wonderful, a dream." Malen praised head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's clarity and tactical direction, noting his ability to put players in position to finish. He expressed openness to whatever partnership Gasperini decides, whether alongside Paulo Dybala or any other forward. "Dybala? A magician," he said of his teammate. On the reported departure of Cristante, Malen declined to elaborate: "I had spoken with Crys too. Unfortunately it went badly but I don't want to comment on my friend's choices. I only wish him the best." Malen also commented on potential squad additions, highlighting young Feyenoord talent as a player who "could be useful to us" and reiterating that Roma need quality forwards to compete at the highest level.

Neil El Aynaoui is pushing hard to establish himself as a key figure in Gasperini's Roma midfield. After a mixed previous season that saw him instrumental in the club's late Champions League push, the midfielder returned from Morocco's World Cup campaign with a minor left knee problem but has integrated fully into group training. To accelerate his fitness, he completes additional solo running sessions around the club's training base, working under close supervision from Gasperini's staff. In a behind-closed-doors match two days ago, El Aynaoui scored twice—once with a header from a Cherubini cross and once from distance—as he competes for regular minutes. El Aynaoui arrived from Lens with a goalscoring reputation, having netted 8 goals in 24 matches. Since joining Roma he has managed only two goals—one in Serie A and one in the Europa League—a return that falls short of expectation. Aston Villa has enquired about him, but his future remains with the Giallorossi. Gasperini faces midfield injury problems: Bah has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture, Pisilli is still unavailable, and Koné is expected back only on 10 August. Manchester United continue to pursue Koné without having made a concrete move, but El Aynaoui is determined to climb the hierarchy and carve out a leading role in Roma's midfield.

Koulierakis has begun his Roma career at the club's training camp in Wales, completing his first sessions in giallorosso colours. The Greek defender expressed his excitement about playing at the Olimpico, saying: "I cannot wait to play at the Olimpico, the atmosphere is extraordinary." He has been conducting early training work with the squad and made time to interact with supporters at the resort after a session, signing autographs and exchanging smiles with those present. Koulierakis, who spoke with both Manolas and Tsimikas before joining Roma, regards head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as one of the finest in the game. The transfer marks the addition of a fresh defensive option to Roma's squad for the 2026-27 season.

Konstantinos Koulierakis arrived in the capital on 1 August 2026 and trained with Gian Piero Gasperini's squad this morning, becoming the second summer reinforcement after Castro. The defender gave his first interview as a Roma player, explaining his immediate decision to join: "When my agent told me Roma was interested in me, I answered straight away: 'Let's go'. I want to do my best to become part of this great Italian club. I had no doubt whatsoever." Koulierakis cited Tsimikas and Joakim Maehle, both former Wolfsburg teammates, as sources of information about Gasperini. "They told me he is one of the greatest coaches in Italy and I'm very excited to work with him," he said. The 25-year-old Greek defender named Sergio Ramos as his childhood idol "for his mentality, his strength and his character" and Aymeric Laporte as a stylistic influence, noting they share the left-foot trait. On his own attributes, he said: "I believe my main strength is my left foot, but also my mental strength: I never give up and I always want to win." Koulierakis expressed eagerness to play at the Olimpico, saying the atmosphere is "incredible," and revealed he had spoken with Kostas Manolas by telephone this summer, discussing Roma's importance as a step in his career. He also recalled Manolas' Champions League header against Barcelona, describing it as "an incredible match." He closed with gratitude to the club's owners: "I am really happy to be here right now. Forza Roma!"

Konstantinos Koulierakis has completed his transfer to Roma, with the official announcement arriving on 1 August 2026. The defender spoke for the first time as a Roma player, expressing immediate enthusiasm for the move. When his agent informed him of Roma's interest, Koulierakis said he had no hesitation: "I told him 'ok, let's go!' I asked him to do the maximum to make me a player of this club, so important in Italy. I had no doubt whatsoever; I only thought about being ready to sign for Roma." Koulierakis cited conversations with Kostas Tsimikas and Joakim Maehle of Wolfsburg about head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, calling him one of Italy's finest managers. He also revealed he knows Kostas Manolas, having spoken to him this summer about joining Roma—a conversation Koulierakis described as meaningful. The 23-year-old identified Sergio Ramos and Aymeric Laporte as his defensive inspirations, praising their mentality, strength, and playing style. He noted that like Laporte, he is left-footed. Koulierakis highlighted his left foot and mental toughness as his main strengths, emphasizing his drive to improve and win. He expressed eagerness to experience the Stadio Olimpico atmosphere in person, having watched it on television and in videos. Koulierakis also referenced Manolas's role in Roma's famous 3–0 victory over Barcelona, describing it as a great performance he had watched. He thanked the ownership for their faith in him and concluded with "Forza Roma!"