Oasis, City, and the Italian "Roy Keane": How a Band's Influence Almost Changed Football History

Manchester City's recent treble triumph has been accompanied by a soundtrack of Oasis anthems, their "We see things they'll never see!" lyrics echoing around the Etihad Stadium. The band's influence on the club runs deep, with lifelong fans Liam and Noel Gallagher adding to the atmosphere on matchdays. But few know that the band's music played a surprising role in the transfer market, almost persuading Roma legend Daniele De Rossi to swap the Italian capital for Manchester in 2012.

De Rossi, a player renowned for his grit and determination, was often compared to English midfield greats Steven Gerrard and Roy Keane. He even adopted Keane's iconic shirt number, 16, and even admitted to being "too embarrassed" to ask Maradona for a photo but couldn't resist requesting one with the Manchester United legend.

This Italian "Roy Keane", however, found himself drawn to the allure of Oasis during a potential move to City. Despite having spent 18 years at Roma, a £31 million transfer with a £130,000-a-week contract proved tempting. Ultimately, De Rossi's loyalty to his hometown club prevailed, as he declared, "I am a Roman." However, he revealed that his love for Oasis played a significant role in his decision-making.

In a 2016 interview, De Rossi confessed to being captivated by the possibility of meeting the Gallagher brothers. "What excited me the most about that prospect," he explained, "was the fact I could have met the Gallagher brothers. I grew up listening to them and I know all their songs off by heart." He went on to describe the pair as "real characters, not always conventional or very easily approachable, but I really liked the stereotype they represented – rock stars off their head."

De Rossi's dream of meeting his musical idols ultimately remained unrealised. He left Roma in 2019, joining Boca Juniors before retiring a year later. While his career was decorated with four trophies, he could have added significantly to his collection had he moved to City, a club that has gone on to dominate English and European football, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, six League Cups, and now finally, the Champions League.

De Rossi's decision to stay at Roma, influenced by the Gallagher brothers' music, illustrates the unexpected impact that pop culture can have on professional sport. The "rock stars off their head" may have ultimately swayed De Rossi's choice, but it's a reminder that sometimes, even the most hard-nosed footballers have softer sides.

Now, as the news of Oasis's long-awaited reunion, which includes a series of stadium gigs, surfaces, fans across the world are preparing to celebrate the band's return. De Rossi and many others, who may have missed the chance to see them in their prime, can finally don their cagoules and experience the iconic Gallagher brothers live. The band's music may have almost lured a footballing legend to a new continent, but it's clear that the sound of Oasis has a power that transcends sport, bringing together fans from all walks of life.