Di Marzio: I really didn’t expect Roma’s official announcement of Mourinho. It’s the first time in my thirty-year career that I didn’t foresee it.

October 29th: In an interview, the famous reporter Di Marzio recalled the scene when Roma unexpectedly announced Mourinho’s appointment on May 4, 2021.

You were live broadcasting on Sky Sports at the time, and Roma suddenly announced Mourinho. What was your reaction?

My reaction at that time, which was mixed with annoyance, displeasure and surprise, spread all over the Internet. It fooled me and all of us journalists, and it was a huge blow for a club that wanted to keep everything secret, which is almost impossible today. This is the only time in my thirty-year career that I did not foresee such important news.

What impact did knowing such news during the live broadcast have on you personally? What did you reflect on?

It was a heavy blow to be discovered during the live broadcast. I asked myself if I was doing something wrong, if I wasn't picking up on any clues or signals. But then I realized, it’s just that they did such a great job.

How do you evaluate the performance of Roma Club, especially the then general manager Thiago Pinto, in keeping confidentiality?

I called Thiago Pinto to congratulate him. To be able to sign Mourinho without anyone knowing, especially in a city like Roma with so much media pressure, is a feat. At the end of the day, all you can say to them is "well done."