The 28-year-old’s previous deal with Roma was set to expire at the end of the season and the midfielder was strongly linked with the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United.
“What drives me to stay here, to do my job with so much passion is this team, this city and its people,” said De Rossi.
“What I desire is here. The negotiations have been lengthy and I cannot deny that I had doubts.
“I thought of many things, of alternatives and I spoke to many people during this time.I wanted to stay only if I was welcomed by the fans.
“Last year I saw the love from the fans towards me diminish and the fact that some of them questioned my strength as a player made me think of seeking alternatives.”
He added: “There was also the thought of ambition, the idea of playing somewhere else, to face the top teams in the world, not that we don’t have that possibility here.
“Those things fascinated me and I did speak to other clubs. I was very tempted to see if I had the strength to play elsewhere.
“But in the end I made a choice not just of the heart but of the head.I have not remained here just to be a tourist in Rome and see the Coliseum. I believe a lot in this new project.”
Roma were bought by an American consortium headed by Thomas DiBenedetto last year and appointed Luis Enrique as coach last summer.
“There is a positive atmosphere in the club,” De Rossi continued.
“It’s a new beginning although I don’t forget the past. Although my love for Roma goes beyond coaches and executives, for me Luis Enrique’s arrival has been crucial.
“He has re-ignited the spark that each player needs. He is the coach that has made me feel great in all of my life. I am in complete agreement with all of his decisions.”
