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Emerson: 'I’m on the right track for a swift return'


The Giallorossi full-back has given an update on his recovery from injury and declared that he’s pleased with the progress he’s made so far.

Emerson Palmieri has given an update on his recovery from injury and declared that he’s pleased with the progress he’s made so far.

"In ten days’ time, it will be two months since the operation and I’m feeling good," the Giallorossi full-back said to Roma TV in Boston.

The Brazilian also spoke about his impressions of the pre-season tour in the United States, as well as his and the team’s objectives for the season ahead.

What stage are you at in your recovery?

"I’m working in the gym to build up the muscle I lost and I’m on focusing on leg extensions. It’s going very well and we’re on track for the expected return date. The best part is about to begin, as soon I’ll be back running. I want to keep on making progress."

Alessando Florenzi had a similar injury: has he been helping you?

"Yes, we’re together here like we were in Pinzolo. We talk every day, with Kevin Strootman as well. They’re helping me to stay calm when I’m doing things. It’s normal that you might feel some pain or discomfort, but when I look at them, I feel more confident doing the exercises. It does me good."

How important is it that you’re with the squad, even though you’re on a different training programme?

"Very important, because I feel like I’m doing pre-season with them. I’m doing double sessions as well, and this is very important for me. I get to chat to everyone and feel part of the group."

The Brazilian contingent is always extremely well-knit at Roma.

"Yes, we’re often joking around and making noise. When we’re together, we’re like a family, as if we were back in Brazil. We get on really well together, so we often speak and we like hanging out off the pitch as well."

Why do Brazilians like it at Roma?

"There’s a long tradition of Brazilian players at Roma and there are six of us now. The city is like Brazil and the people are warm like Brazilians. I think that’s why we like it here."

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How much do you want to play in front of the fans again?

"I’m desperate to return to the Stadio Olimpico and play in front of the Curva Sud again. We’ve got the Champions League this year as well, so I really want to get back. I hope it will be a fantastic season."

What do you miss the most?

"Being on the pitch. Sometimes I watch training or matches and I’m gutted I can’t be there. I didn’t expect to miss it so much after two months, even little things like knocking the ball about or being with my team-mates."

How would you assess the work of the team so far?

"They’re working really well, based on what they’ve told me. They’re doing a lot of running, but they feel great physically. They like the way the gaffer wants them to play, always pressing high and attacking. We’re just at the beginning of this project and I hope it will be a fantastic year for everyone."

Have you spoken with Eusebio Di Francesco?

"A couple of times. When we can, we exchange a few words or go through some video analysis. This is important for me, because it makes me feel as if I’m still training with the defensive unit. He always has some suggestions for me, where I can and should be improving. This makes me happy as in some way I feel I’m part of future plans."

Could his attacking approach benefit a player with your characteristics?

"Yes, I really like the way the coach plays football. He wants to play on the wings. Playing against Sassuolo, it wasn’t easy to mark their full-backs and wingers. I prefer to play this way."

What is Rick Karsdorp like as a person?

"He’s a great lad; we’re always together because we’re training separately from the team. He’s teaching me a bit of English and I’m teaching him some Italian and Portuguese. He really wants to get back playing. Rick’s heart is in the right place."

Could the fact an experienced player like Aleksandar Kolarov has joined be useful for you?

"He’s a top-class player and he’s here to help us out. I can help him as well though: we must think that we can all assist the team. I’m pleased to play alongside such an important player. I want to learn from him."

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What’s your objective for the season?

"Get back to playing as soon as possible, without any fear. When I’m fully fit and confident, I hope to play, get game-time and do everything I can to help the team."

Have you targeted playing at the World Cup?

"Of course, I have. If I weren’t injured, I would have been called up to the national team in June. I’m striving to be selected for the World Cup next year."

Has Daniele De Rossi spoken to you about the World Cup?

"Not yet. If I had been called up for international duty, we probably would have spoken about it then. He’s already won it, so it would be an amazing opportunity to chat with him. It doesn’t get any better than playing at a World Cup for a footballer."

What are the team’s objectives?

"We should be aiming high: we’re a strong side and have been fighting to win the league title for two years. This season is a vital one as well. We finished four points off Juventus last campaign and now we have to continue working in order to bridge the gap to the Bianconeri. We have to roll up our sleeves and aim to perform well in all three competitions."

Who are the other title contenders, along with Juve?

"The Milan clubs have been investing heavily in the transfer window, but we’ve brought in some big players as well. Napoli have a top-class squad too. This season we’ll have to fight even harder because every point will be precious. We paid the price for dropping points against lesser teams last season. This year we need to pay more attention and treat every match as if it were a final."

Do you have anything you’d like to say to the Roma fans?

"At the beginning, my relationship with them wasn’t easy, but I got over that through hard work and humility. I’ve built a bond with Giallorossi supporters that means a lot to me; it helps me work hard every day and do whatever I can to come back stronger. When the Curva Sud returned to the Stadio Olimpico, the atmosphere in the stadium completely changed. Now I hope we can go forward together. They need us and we need them; this is the only way we’ll be successful."