By Press Association Sport Staff
Published: 18:20 GMT, 11 February 2019 | Updated: 18:20 GMT, 11 February 2019
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Daniele De Rossi believes Roma's Champions League clash with Porto could be the 'right day' to heal the rift between the club's fans and team-mate Aleksandar Kolarov.
Serbia international Kolarov, a former player of fierce city rivals Lazio, angered the Giallorossi faithful in November by saying supporters 'know nothing about football' in response to criticism of a defeat.
The 33-year-old ex-Manchester City defender was then the subject of offensive graffiti following last month's 7-1 thrashing at Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia.
Aleksandar Kolarov previously said that Roma supporters 'know nothing about football'
Roma club captain Daniele De Rossi says it is time to heal the rift between Kolarov and fans
De Rossi was put through his paces in training ahead of Roma's game against Porto
Club captain De Rossi feels trapped in the middle of the dispute and, ahead of Tuesday's European last-16 first leg, is keen for a resolution.
'I would be the happiest person in the world if the friction between Kolarov and the fans came to an end,' former Italy midfielder De Rossi told the club's website.
'I feel caught in the middle of it a bit - I love the Giallorossi fans, who have always protected me, and Alex is like a brother to me.
'All I can ask the fans to do is to continue to trust me - Kolarov is a great professional.
'I'm not saying he's been a Roma fan all his life but I am saying that he
