Atalanta fans mock De Roon after his transfer to Roma
Marten de Roon left Atalanta this summer for Roma, but the supporters in Bergamo gave him on Saturday during the 1-2 defeat to Cagliari an unexpected message, in which they mock his departure from the club’s history. After years as captain of the Orobici and 436 matches for the club, the former captain felt the sting of the mockery.
Decades of glory with the Orobici
De Roon was for many years the captain of Atalanta and hugely beloved in and around Bergamo. He played 436 matches for the club, a record that gave him an almost legendary status. In Italian football culture such a club icon is called a Bandiera.
Under Gian Piero Gasperini, De Roon experienced his peak years, with the highlight being the Europa League victory a few years ago. That triumph cemented his place in the history of the Orobici. Fans regarded him as an indispensable link in the team.
This summer De Roon left Atalanta for Roma, bringing an end to his long‑standing bond with the Orobici. The Dutchman, who was allowed to go to the World Cup with the the Oranje, moved to the Serie A rival. His departure was not announced by the club as a surprise.
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Hostile reception after the move to Rome
During the match against Cagliari on Saturday evening, which ultimately ended in a 1-2 loss, the Atalanta fans displayed a mocking message for De Roon. The text read: “You chose to walk through our history, but not to be part of it. Addio Bandierina”. The supporters used the word Bandierina, a corner flag, to mock his record.
In Italy a club icon is called a Bandiera, while Bandierina is a mocking term that symbolizes the corner flag. Despite his 436 matches, the fans felt he had not done enough to earn eternal glory. The message underscored how quickly appreciation can turn.
At Roma De Roon ran into his former Atalanta coach, Gian Piero Gasperini. Under Gasperini, who now works at Roma, he recognized the old player and their shared history.
The contrast between his glorious past with the Orobici and the mockery in Bergamo shows how quickly the bond between player and club can deteriorate. It remains to be seen how De Roon will adapt to his new surroundings in Rome.