The Eternal City has a new pulse, and its name is Neil El Aynaoui. AS Roma officially welcomed the Franco-Moroccan midfielder, tying him to the Giallorossi until 2030, a clear statement of intent from both player and club. This acquisition signals not just a talent grab, but a strategic alignment with the tactical philosophy of their new manager, Gian Piero Gasperini.
A Choice Forged in Inspiration: From Iniesta to Gasperini
Arriving with a smile as bright as the Roman sun, El Aynaoui wasted no time expressing his zeal. “What a wonderful welcome, I didn`t expect it,” he declared to the club`s official channels. His mission is clear: “I am here to help bring Roma back to where they belong.” A significant driver behind his move? Manager Gian Piero Gasperini. “I followed him closely when he was at Atalanta; I really like his mentality,” El Aynaoui explained, suggesting a tactical alignment that bodes well for the future.
The number 8 shirt, often reserved for midfield architects, was an immediate choice. Its significance traces back to his childhood in Barcelona, where he harbored a profound admiration for Andrés Iniesta and the Catalan giants. But El Aynaoui`s path to the football pitch wasn`t entirely straightforward; it involved a compelling detour through the world of professional tennis.
The Tennis Detour: A Family Legacy Diverted
Neil`s father, Younes El Aynaoui, is a name synonymous with Moroccan tennis royalty. A former world No. 14, known for his relentless power and an epic 5.5-hour Australian Open quarter-final against Andy Roddick (a match so legendary it likely still gives commentators nightmares), Younes provided a formidable athletic lineage. The family even relocated to Gavà, on the outskirts of Barcelona, to facilitate Younes`s training.
Yet, despite this sterling tennis pedigree, Neil`s allegiance was unequivocally pledged to the round ball. “My father never imposed anything on me. I played tennis, then he saw that I only thought about football,” Neil reminisced. “I was all day with the ball at my feet, and he left me free to choose, just as he did with my brothers. Though, we still play tennis together sometimes,” he added with a chuckle, perhaps hinting at a friendly family rivalry where football now undeniably reigns supreme.
Paternal Wisdom and Roman Roots
Younes and Anne-Sophie, Neil’s parents, continue to reside in Spain, but their ties to Rome run deeper than mere professional interest. Younes, a polyglot proficient in seven languages, offered insights into his son`s singular focus. “Since he was little, Neil fell in love with football; we lived in a city that breathes football. He watched match videos while his friends watched movies, he kept himself informed. He can also play tennis very well, but football is his passion. Even at home, he does nothing but play with the ball.”
Despite the contrasting demands of their respective sports, Younes has imparted invaluable wisdom.
“Firstly, on what to eat, on what to do to become a great athlete. But above all, I told him that his goal must be to win the Ballon d`Or. If it doesn`t happen, there`s no problem. But to be at peace with yourself, you must always try to give your best.”
A sensible philosophy, one might argue, especially in a world where *giving your best* often feels like a Ballon d`Or in itself.
Younes also feels a personal connection to Rome. “When I played at the Foro Italico, I saw crowds going to the Olimpico,” he recalled, referencing Rome`s iconic tennis and football venues. He even revealed a subtle Italian heritage: “My mother is French but her surname is De Gubliermi: my grandfather emigrated in the 1950s from a village near Vicenza and only spoke Italian.” This familial link, combined with the city`s culinary reputation – “you eat well here, so I`ll come to see him often” – paints a picture of a family deeply supportive and perhaps, delightfully, well-fed.
The Modern Midfielder: Adaptability and Drive
For Neil himself, Rome represents a fresh canvas. “I had never been to Italy,” he confessed. “They told me before leaving that Rome was a fabulous city, and it`s no lie: besides being an incredible club, this is a wonderful place. They were perfectly right about my destination.” Now, the focus shifts to his on-field contributions.
El Aynaoui describes himself as a “modern midfielder,” a term that in football parlance often translates to “does a bit of everything, tirelessly.” He elaborates: “equipped with good endurance and able to play in both halves of the pitch. I am always willing to give my maximum and cover a lot of ground with generosity and sacrifice.” His past experience playing further forward provides an added dimension: “I always had an eye for goal. There are systems that allow me to enter the box, which, as I said before, I like and am good at.” This suggests a player capable of both breaking up play and contributing to attacks, a valuable asset in Gasperini`s dynamic systems.
A New Chapter for AS Roma
With a unique background that blends the precision of tennis with the passion of football, Neil El Aynaoui arrives in Rome not just as a new signing, but as a narrative in motion. His journey, marked by family legacy, personal conviction, and an immediate connection with his new club`s philosophy, sets the stage for what promises to be an intriguing chapter in the AS Roma story. The question isn`t if he`ll run tirelessly, but how many forehand-like passes he`ll deliver in the heart of Rome`s midfield.