Things are getting a bit weird now.
Damien Delaney and As Roma don’t go hand in hand with one another usually but over the last while the links between the unlikely couple have been getting stronger and stronger.
It all began a couple of weeks ago when Crystal Palace announced that the former Republic of Ireland defender would be leaving them at the end of the season.
Minds from Cork to Italy boggled as to why Roma felt the need to mark his departure on their Twitter account as follows.
🦅 #GrazieDamien pic.twitter.com/httLY4oHE3
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) May 14, 2018
A few curious souls began to ask questions but the Roma Twitter account remained coy. The relationship took another step last week when it was announced that Delaney would be joining Cork City for next season, and Roma tweeted their well-wishes to him for his move.
OFFICIAL 📑 Damien Delaney is a Cork City player! 🏰🚢🏰
The central defender has signed a contract with the League of Ireland champions until the end of the 2019 season! ✍️ #GoodLuckDamien pic.twitter.com/3CWshsfRDB
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) June 8, 2018
What the hell was going on here?
A story did the rounds then, without confirmation and seemingly without substance, that the 36-year-old had saved a Roma director’s son’s life in London.
Delaney didn’t have a clue about these rumours when asked about them at a Cork City Press Conference on Tuesday afternoon.
“People seem to be getting good mileage out of it. I don’t know. I’m not big on the whole social media thing. I’m not really sure what it is,” he said.
“There’s definitely no story, definitely not the one about me saving someone,” he added with a laugh.
He did have one theory as to why the Italian side have such an obsession with him.
“Possibly the lad running it is a Palace fan, I genuinely don’t know.”
Hey @ASRomaEN 👋🏻
Let's break the internet and answer the question even Damien doesn't have an answer too.
Where has all the Damien Delaney love come from? #GrazieDamien #CCFC84 🏰🚢🏰 pic.twitter.com/HEL19Ar1om
— Cork City FC (@CorkCityFC) June 12, 2018
But it seems Roma aren’t going to leave it at that.
Nothing but respect for a true gentleman and ultimate professional.
He told us at the hotel that he didn't want any publicity for his heroic actions, he was just doing what anyone would have done in that situation, and for that reason, we will respect his wishes.#GrazieDamien https://t.co/wB1u9tzhqX
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) June 12, 2018
They can’t be accused of not following their convictions.
