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The Brazil international, who joined from Internacional earlier in the summer, was asked about his first impressions of life with Roma, his attributes as a goalkeeper and his ambitions for his career with the Giallorossi.
Read the transcript from the press conference below.
Did Luciano Spalletti ask you anything in particular today at training?
"I spoke with Spalletti and he explained how I should play on the pitch, like beginning counter-attacks from the back. I'm very happy to be here at a club where Paulo Roberto Falcao used to play, he's an idol both for Roma and Internacional fans. I hope I'm able to follow in his footsteps."
Have you already noticed some differences in training compared to Brazil?
"The only differences are to do with specific training sessions on goalkeeper technique. For the rest of the team, it's more or less the same."
Is that fact that Roma are interested in another goalkeeper like Wojciech Szczesny a source of motivation or frustration?
"It's not a big problem for me. He's a great goalkeeper, he has done well at Roma and I'm sure there will be healthy competition between us. I am very focused on my job and I'm happy to be here. I don't give importance to what happens away from the pitch. I'm here to prove my worth to the coach, the fans and those who trusted in me and wanted me here."
Do you prefer Gianluigi Buffon or Manuel Neuer?
"I grew up watching the legendary Buffon. When I was a kid, he was my idol. I've appreciated Neuer as well during recent years. Perhaps Buffon is technically the better of the two, while Neuer has more physical strength and speed. I admire them both despite their differences."
What convinced you to choose Roma?
"The reason I'm here is that Roma showed faith in me straight away. They outlined their fantastic project to me and treated me like a top keeper. I've only been here for a few days but I am convinced that I made the right decision and I'll be very happy in Rome with my family."
How would you describe your playing qualities?
"It's difficult to speak about myself but I believe I'm a fast goalkeeper with good positional sense between the posts and on the pitch when the ball is in attack. I try to be actively involved in the game and start counter-attacks. I can improve in every aspect and I'm here at Roma to do just that."
Did you hope to achieve something better with Brazil at the Copa America?
"We hoped to achieve more, we wanted to win the tournament but football is like that. Brazilian football is going through a tough period of rebuilding, but our aim is to get back to bringing satisfaction to Brazilian fans and everyone who loves football."
Is there a lot of focus on goalkeepers being able to play with the ball at their feet in Brazil as well?
"I've always tried to play with the ball at my feet in order to become a modern goalkeeper with an eye on European football. This sport is moving forwards, it's evolving and doesn't stay still. You still get some preconceptions, like when fans moan if the ball is passed back to the keeper. When I was at Internacional, I always tried to play with my feet, even more so with the national team as there are many players in the squad who play in Europe. I always put myself at my team-mates' disposal and offer a helping hand."
What do you think about playing in the same team as Francesco Totti?
"It means a lot to me. It's a massive honour to play alongside an idol of Italian and global football. My nephew is named Francesco after him. We haven't spoken much yet because I don't speak Italian."
Have you spoken to former Roma goalkeeper Doni?
"I've never met him but I watched him playing for Roma and Brazil."
Do you think you'll adapt quickly to life in Rome?
"Rome is a similar city to Porto Alegre, as least when it comes to the climate. The biggest problem right now is the language but I don't think it will be too difficult. I began studying Italian while I was still in Brazil."
Could consistent performances be your trump card at Roma?
"I am concentrating on my day-to-day work in order to improve the understanding with all of my team-mates. I have always believed that performing at the same level is fundamental for a goalkeeper. I've always tried to keep my consistency up: I managed to achieve that at Internacional and I want to do it again here at Roma."
Did you choose No.19 for a special reason?
"No, it doesn't mean anything in particular. At previous clubs I never chose shirt numbers for special reasons. I had No.22 and then No.1 at Internacional, I wore No.1 for the Brazil. I went for 19 here because it was available."
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