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    Pau Lopez: I'm ready for this challenge


    Read what the Spain international goalkeeper had to say in his first official interview at the club...

    On Wednesday evening Spain international goalkeeper Pau Lopez became the club's third signing of the summer - as he completed a move from Real Betis.

    The 24-year-old moves to the capital looking to take the next step in his career, as he explained in his first official interview with Roma TV.

    “Joining Roma is another step up for me," Lopez said.

    "I think it is the perfect time to take on this kind of opportunity.

    “I feel ready to be the goalkeeper for Roma and I’m really happy to be here at such an historic club. It means a lot that they have faith in me and I’m delighted to be here.”

    He added: “As I’ve said, it’s almost impossible to turn down a club like Roma. It’s a great move for me after I enjoyed a very good year at Betis.

    “I think it’s the perfect time to move to Roma. Italian football is known for the fantastic fans here. The fans are really passionate about football and love the game.

    "There are some huge clubs here which make it a top-quality league. There are lots of big clubs here, including Roma, so I’m delighted to be able to experience playing in Italy."

    Lopez has already made over 100 senior appearances in Spanish football, and moves to Italy having gained a reputation as a goalkeeper comfortable on the ball and with great reflexes between the posts.

    "I try to enjoy my football out there and help the team by doing what the coach asks," he said.

    "I always try to do what is asked of me, even if the team is in a tough moment or facing a bit of adversity. I always try to stay cool and look to help the team by doing what’s asked of me. That’s what I try to do in order to help the team."

    The former Espanyol and Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper is looking forward to beginning work under coach Paulo Fonseca.

    “The coach spoke to us and he said he wanted an ambitious, courageous team," Lopez said.

    "That’s the base requirement when you represent a club like Roma. We know what it means to wear this shirt and we know that we’re representing the fans. We have to make sure we always show those two qualities whether it’s in training or in matches.

    "When we’re representing Roma, we have to remember that we’re representing an historic club with great fans and big ambitions. We have to give everything we have to make Roma as successful as possible."

    Lopez will wear the No. 13 shirt - but is determined to cement his place as the club's starting goalkeeper as soon as possible.

    "The only thing I can promise is that I’ll give everything for this club," he said.

    "I know the efforts the club has gone to in order to sign me so I can promise that I’ll work hard, make sacrifices and show humility in fighting for Roma and trying to achieve the success the club deserves.

    "I can assure you that effort is one thing that I’ll never be lacking.”