Mancini discusses Champions League return and Roma contract talks

Gianluca Mancini has spoken about Roma’s Champions League qualification and contract renewal during an interview with Sky Sport. The defender admitted failing to qualify for the World Cup with Italy was painful. He confirmed Roma secured third place, securing Champions League football next season. Mancini described missing the World Cup as a personal hurt, refusing to watch matches live. He stressed the issue was systemic, not limited to youth players or coaches. "I can speak to you as a key figure who unfortunately didn’t qualify for the World Cup: it’s a pain that hurts," he said. On Roma’s season, Mancini highlighted their consistency despite ups and downs. He pointed to two finals and a semifinal as evidence of progress. "The crowning achievement of this journey was actually qualifying for the Champions League, thanks to a fantastic third-place finish," Mancini noted. Contract talks with Roma are ongoing, "We were talking and we’re still talking with the club," Mancini said. "We’re talking, and throughout the year, I’ve been focusing on the games." The defender linked contract renewal to on-field success. He cited the team’s belief in their Champions League push as pivotal. "We didn’t immediately agree on the main objective we had from the start, but as we went along, we increasingly believed we could achieve it," Mancini explained.

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Mancini reflected on key moments, including Roma’s 1-0 win over Juventus. He called it the best match of the season, securing their third-place finish. "Finishing third after a year like this is something unique," he said. He also addressed Roma’s 5-2 defeat to Inter Milan. Mancini praised coach José Mourinho for restoring confidence after setbacks. "After the Inter match, when we suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat, he told us it was the first time he’d seen us let our heads down," Mancini recalled. Looking ahead, Mancini expressed excitement for Roma’s Champions League debut. He mentioned imagining the competition’s theme music. "I can’t wait to play, to hear that theme music, to face great teams and this competition for the first time," he said.

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Mancini confirmed he is at peace with the contract process. "Look at my smile, I’m at peace," he told Sky Sport. He added that answers are expected soon as talks continue. Roma will face new challenges next season with both league and Champions League commitments. Mancini emphasized the need for immediate strength. "This year there will be the league and the Champions League, so we all need to be ready as a team," he said.