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Read everything the Italy international had to say...
How have you changed since your time at Torino?
“I think I’ve developed a lot both as a person and in terms of my character. I took a lot from the experience. It wasn’t easy to play outside of Italy and deal with a different culture and language, in a league which is the opposite to Serie A. It was definitely an experience that helped me a lot. I went through some tough times but I took a lot from it both personally and professionally.”
Are you ready for Sunday’s match against Genoa?
“I trained with the team for the first time today and I feel good. We trained at high intensity and it was more or less the same level of intensity at Chelsea. I feel in good shape physically. I haven’t played for a long time so I need to get that march sharpness back, but physically I feel good and I’m sure that with the high-intensity sessions the coach is putting us through, I’ll have no trouble getting back into peak condition as soon as possible.”
Why did you decide to come here?
“The main thing was my desire to kick on again. Roma have always been a great team and a big club: that was the main reason. I want to achieve big things with Roma, starting now. Serie A is a difficult league so we have to take things game by game, but if we do that we can perform well.”
Do you have your eye on a second successive Europa League win? Did you discuss the move with the former Roma players at Chelsea?
“Yes, I spoke with Emerson [Palmieri] and [Antonio] Rudiger. Both of them told me that this is a unique club with fans that drive you on in every game. They told me I’d enjoy myself here because there’s a fantastic group of players. I’m happy because I saw what they were talking about straight away. I was able to win the Europa League with Chelsea, but we need to take things game by game. We’ll do everything we can to go all the way in every competition – that’s the aim of all clubs, so we’ll give it our all. It’s important not to set too many targets.”
Are you aiming to go to the European Championship? Did you speak to Roberto Mancini before signing for Roma?
“No, I’ve not spoken to him. Players need to make decisions based on what’s best for their careers. I left Italy to have an adventure. I’m happy with what I did and I’m also happy to be back here with more experience under my belt. Obviously, the European Championship is one of my goals.”
Do you think Serie A still has a long way to go to catch up with the Premier League?
“I think Serie A is catching up with the Premier League. I think it’s developed a lot – I’ve followed the league closely over the past two years. There’s still a difference in terms of the athleticism, but not so much from a technical point of view. I believe Serie A will continue to catch up.”
Paulo Fonseca has said that he’s an admirer of Maurizio Sarri. Will that help you to understand his playing philosophy?
“I trained with the team today and saw that the coach has some very clear ideas. It won’t be hard to understand the way he wants the team to place. The concepts are clear and simple and that’s the most important thing: when you know what you’re doing on the pitch, everything is easier. His style of play is very simple and direct.
You have the same agent as Alessandro Florenzi and you play in the same position. Did you speak to him before joining?
“My agent spoke to Alessandro before I joined, out of respect. He gave a very positive response and said that he was very happy and that any player that improves the squad is always welcome. I thanked him for that straight away. He’s the captain of the team and a top player. Healthy competition is always good for individual players and the group as a whole. I’m pleased to be here and to be playing in the same position as him. I have no doubt that we can both make a big contribution to the club. There won’t be any issues.
What kind of message does the news of Edin Dzeko’s new contract send and what have you made of the squad?
“There’s a really tight, united dressing room here. Dzeko’s contract extension is good news because he’s one of the best forwards in the world and I think he can make a big contribution to the team. There’s a fantastic group here – really young and united. I’m delighted to be a part of it.”
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