Marten de Roon began life as a Roma player by apologising for a social-media post that had been aimed at the club’s supporters in 2023.
The Belgian midfielder was presented as a Roma footballer and immediately found himself having to address an awkward episode from his past. During that year’s Europa League rivalry between Roma and Feyenoord, de Roon posted a picture showing his middle finger directed at Roma fans.
De Roon had previously played for Feyenoord and was supporting the Rotterdam club at the time. His earlier connection with Feyenoord has now placed him in an uncomfortable position after moving to Roma.
The incident came back into focus as de Roon was introduced as a Roma player. Rather than beginning his association with the Italian club without reference to the post, he offered an apology for the gesture.
The original message had been published during the contest between Roma and Feyenoord in the Europa League. De Roon’s allegiance in that situation was shaped by his past with the Dutch club, but the image was nevertheless addressed to Roma supporters.
That history meant his first moments as a Roma player were marked not by a footballing statement, but by an attempt to make amends for the gesture. His presentation therefore immediately connected his new club with an old social-media post.
De Roon’s previous club was Atalanta, while his earlier spell with Feyenoord explains why he had supported the Rotterdam side during the 2023 Europa League confrontation with Roma.
The move has consequently created an unusual start for the Belgian at Roma. His first act after being presented was to apologise for a post that had been intended to express support for Feyenoord but had offended followers of the club he now represents.
The episode highlights the difficult transition created when a player’s past loyalties meet a new club. In de Roon’s case, a gesture made while he was associated with Feyenoord resurfaced on the day he became a Roma player.
He is now beginning his Roma career with the issue acknowledged and an apology delivered, after the events of 2023 left him in an awkward position with the club’s supporters.