Daniele De Rossi: 'I didn't care about Italy'‏

Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi has admitted that he did not care about playing for the Italian national team when he was younger.

The 30-year-old, who is seen as his one of his country's most important players, said that he only became interested in representing the Azzurri once he became a professional.

"When I was young, I didn't really care about the national team," he told So Foot.

"I only really paid any attention when there was a World Cup or European Championship. I never looked at the qualifiers or anything like that.

"I was only interested in Roma, the Giallorossi was my life. But when you grow up and become a player, Italy is the goal."

De Rossi has won 93 caps for Italy since making his debut in 2004 and helped them to victory in the 2006 World Cup.