(Photo by New Press/Getty Images)
People say money rules the world, and this seems to be especially true these days when referring to world football.
Even two of the world's top clubs, Manchester United and AC Milan, couldn't resist the huge sums of money thrown at them for their top players.
Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo became expendable when enough money was thrown the clubs' way by Real Madrid, who apparently doesn't seem to notice the worldwide recession.
When it comes down to it, no matter who the player is it seems, money talks. Of course, when that kind of money is thrown your way it must be difficult to say "No". Except if that player is a hometown hero, like Daniele De Rossi is in Rome.
It is said that Real Madrid is willing to pay around 30 million euros to AS Roma for De Rossi, as they look to continue their summer shopping spree. A spree that already has netted Kaka and Ronaldo, as well as Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol.
For a team like Roma that is in need of economic relief, it would seem like a no-brainer to jump on 30 million euros. This is not the case though, as sometimes pride must rule the day.
By declining the large offer, Roma made sure that they would continue to build around their homegrown trio of De Rossi, Francesco Totti, and Alberto Aquilani. Three players that the fanbase can identify with.
Players that Roman children can idolize.
Three players who continue to pledge their support to the club that they love rather than the checkbooks of larger clubs where they could win more often.
These three players feed off of the energy of their fans and Ultras in the Curva Sud of the Stadio Olimpico. De Rossi probably more so than anyone on the team, as he wears his emotions on his sleeve and seems to live for the Giallorossi colors.
Would it really be worth it to sell the team's future captain for 30 million Euros and alienate a fan base that loves De Rossi? Clearly the answer is NO.
It is a breath of fresh air in this new age of football where players move around like nomads to see a player like De Rossi continue to pledge his support and Sporting Director Prade continue to recognize that his value to the club is more than money can buy (at least not 30 million euros).
Hopefully more clubs will continue to hold onto homegrown talent instead of looking elsewhere for players that do not value their team colors as much as their pocketbooks.
This is probably unlikely but teams like Roma who value a handful of players more than money should be applauded.
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