The Italian spent almost two decades at Roma before a move to Superliga Argentina side Boca Juniors became his swansong. He retired from professional football earlier this year aged 36.
De Rossi was asked about which English team he would have liked to represent during his career, and the 2006 World Cup named Manchester United.
The former Ostia Mare youth player admitted he turned down the Red Devils' offer as he believes his position was already filled with world-class players.
"Since I was a child I have loved United," De Rossi told Sky Sport via Instagram live video.
"It was the right choice that I didn't go to Manchester because there was Keane and Scholes, incredible players.
He added: “It was really my desire to go to Boca Juniors, I never chose to leave Roma, but I felt like a god at Boca."
De Rossi’s former Italy team-mate Leonardo Bonucci joined the conversation via Instagram live video.
And while Bonucci has widely earned a reputation for being a difficult character, De Rossi insists that is far from the case.
“We’re talking about a guy who all the people I know tell me is irritating and unlikable,” he said.
“There is this perception of Leo and a reputation, but it’s totally wrong. He’s an incredible professional and it’s sad that people think he’s unlikable.
“He can be a bit annoying at times on the pitch, but that’s because of the jersey he wears, as that club gives you a certain attitude and it’s one of the reasons why they win so much."
