++ [ originally posted by mark77
] ++
Like they have money.
OK, here's my two cents on the Roma situation, and Mark, this is in no way an insult to you, its just that I've seen this on the board so many times, and I just wanted to share my perspective.
Roma is in a pretty bad financial state. We all know this. However, here's a few things that should be noted.
#1) Roma is the major franchise for the capital of Italy. If there is any team in Serie A that concessions will be made for in order to stay afloat, it will be Roma. Like it or not, that's just the way it is. You simply cannot have your Capital not represented with only one team.
#2) Here's something else to consider. Roma is a very young squad, that will only get better. Oh, how I wish that Juve had the young talent that Roma has. For Example:
Pellizoli- 23
Chivu- 23
Mancini- 23
Cassano- 21
De Rossi- 19
#3) They've already sold off Samuel for 22 million, and are about to fleece Juve out of 12-15 million for Emerson. Add that up, and that's nearly 37 million Euros to go out and buy players. And these guys don't go out and buy 28 year old midfielders with their money. No, they invest in youth, and if you add a Mexes, Ferrari, and a Gilardino with the squad they already have, even if they do sell Totti, you are looking at a potentially frightening squad for the next 5 years.
#4) Roma has qualified for the Champions League, which only means more revenue for the squad, and lets not forget that they are doing a tour of the US this summer. Again, more money. And if you are a billionaire, and you are looking to buy into a franchise, why wouldn't you buy the Capital club in a football rich country that could potentially have all that young talent?
Bottom line is this. Its very easy to say that Roma is selling off these players in order to stay afloat. If that was the case, then why won't they entertain offers for Cassano, Pellizoli, or Chivu?? Quite simply, because they know that they will stay afloat, and that sooner or later, an investment group is going to be very interested in this franchise (they would be crazy not to be), and they are going to be getting a young, talented group who haven't hit their prime yet, and are on the verge of being an Italian and European power for years to come.
Just my two cents.