Rafa Benitez believes prospective new signing Alberto Aquilani is a player who will excite the Liverpool supporters.

Say “Liverpool” to a die-hard romanista, and you will likely unearth painful memories of the 1984 European Cup finals. Roma’s last best chance for European glory ended in heartbreak when the game went to penalty kicks (of course), and Roma lost on their home turf.

Fast-forward 25 years and it seems that a new generation of Roma fans will get a new painful memory with Liverpool. The Sensi debt and President Rosella’s inability (unwillingness?) to sell her ownership has officially struck at the heart of the club. Alberto Aquilani has been sold for a reported 20 million pounds to the British outfit.

The fallout from this sale is difficult to comprehend because one must account for Aquilani’s age/potential, his skill-set/talent and the symbolic intangible side of what he means to Roma. In previous years Aquilani would have been untouchable. The creative midfielder possesses the kind of attacking flair that keeps fans eagerly anticipating his touches, and, as a Roman, he is precisely the kind of homegrown player around which the club builds a passionate relationship with the fan base.

There are some who will not shed tears over this sale. They will point out Aquilani’s history of injuries, and that Daniele DeRossi will eventually take over as the symbol of the team. After all, 20 million pounds is a nice sum for a player who has seen the trainer’s room as much as the pitch.

But there are more reasons to be sad. Though Aquilani has struggled with injury, at 25 years-old he has plenty of time to get healthy. Those who have labeled Aquilani a “bust” this early in his career are simply wrong. When healthy and given the chances, Aquilani has consistently played up to his potential. His talent – not just potential – is undeniable. Second, the fee of 20 million pounds will not be invested in the squad. Make no mistake; this sale was not made to bolster the team. Perhaps a small percentage of the funds will go to purchase a past-his-prime striker or a younger unproven project from a 2nd tier team, but you can bet that the bulk of the proceeds will go directly to Rosella’s creditors.

Finally one has to wonder what the post-Totti plan is going to be for this team. Daniele DeRossi will carry the banner as team captain and symbol, but DeRossi cannot take over for Totti in terms of contribution on the field. Totti is a once-in-a-generation talent; a creative midfielder and prolific striker rolled into one. DeRossi is a box-to-box midfielder who makes his mark on the game with tough tackling and ball winning, not goal-scoring and back-heel passes. Was Aquilani going to be all the player Totti is? Probably not, but he was certainly the kind of creative force that could be groomed to eventually take Totti’s place on the field. Over the past several years Roma has seen several potential Totti-protégés such as Gaetno D’Agostino, Davide Petrucci and, now, Alberto Aquilani blossom in the Roma system, only to be plucked and placed in another team’s vase. It’s difficult to watch.

All in all, we wish Aquilani the best and know that powers beyond his control forced this sale. In years to come, if Liverpool and Roma ever face one another, I expect to see Aquilani pull up “limp” in training a day before the game – once a romanista, always a romanista! For Liverpool and Aquilani the future is hopeful, but for Roma…it is a sad day.

Check out all today’s transfer news and rumours with Liverpool looking to spend some of their Xabi Alonso money on Roma’s Alberto Aquilani.

Liverpool have struck terms over a fee for Alberto Aquilani with Roma.
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Liverpool insist Rafa Benitez is keeping his powder dry over interest for Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani.
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Liverpool have opened talks for Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani.

The Daily Star Sunday says the fee for Aquilani, 25, is expected to be 18m.
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Daniele De Rossi admits it would be a major loss for Roma if Alberto Aquilani joins Liverpool.

Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani is Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez’s prime summer transfer target.
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Liverpool are closing in on an agreement for Roma midfield ace Alberto Aquilani.
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Liverpool have given Real Madrid two-day deadline to sign want-away midfielder Xabi Alonso, after Benitez came to terms with losing the Spaniard. Los Merengues have offered 27 million, but just three million more should do the trick. Inler or Aquilani