If Francesco Totti is the king of Rome, then Daniele De Rossi is definitely the heir apparent.
But AS Roma’s Capitan Futuro has had a topsy-turvy season which could yet see him depart the club he has served for his entire career.
The 29-year-old’s 2012 saw him linked with a move away to Roma, star as a sweeper at the Euros and saw his arm collide with an opponent’s head during the most recent Rome derby.
February encapsulated his up-and-down year. De Rossi started the 2012 with rumours circulating that he was on his way out of the club to Manchester City.
Yet in February he ended up signing a five-year extension to his contract with his beloved hometown club.
But three weeks after putting pen to paper he was out of favour at the club where he is revered just behind Totti.
Roma's manager at the time Luis Enrique dropped the World Cup winner citing dressing room problems and also claiming that the midfielder "did not look prepared" for a game against Atalanta which the Giallorossi ultimately lost 4 - 1.
But although he went to Poland for Euro 2012 with a cloud hanging over his head, De Rossi and his team-mates shone.
De Rossi was often deployed as a sweeper in a back three to great affect in the tournament as Italy reached the final.
But not long after returning home to Serie A he was clashing with Roma's new manager Zdenek Zeman who has left him out of the side on numerous occasions this season.
De Rossi has only made 11 league appearances this season and he made things worse with a moment of madness during the Rome derby.
Capitan Futuro was shown a straight red card for striking Lazio's Stefano Mauri in the face during the 3 - 2 defeat which also saw national team boss Cesare Prandelli drop him for one game as punishment for his behaviour.
Since then De Rossi has returned to the starting line-up, playing a crucial role in a 4 - 2 win over Milan just before the winter break.
But despite that performance the year has come full circle. Just like the start of 2012 rumours are circulating over his future at Roma with AC Milan, Man City and PSG all waiting in the wings.
But whatever happens De Rossi will be hoping for a less stressful 2013.
