Monchi: This day will live long in the memory

The Giallorossi sealed top spot in Europe’s premier club competition for just the second time in their history on Tuesday night, beating Qarabag 1-0 to win Group C ahead of Chelsea – with 2014 and 2016 finalists Atletico Madrid relegated to the Europa League.

“Of course we are very pleased, because it was a difficult group,” Monchi said. “We had two clubs up against us, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, who were very strong. But, bit by bit, we began to show our ability and I think in the end we deserved to top the group.”

With the team performing well in both the league and in Europe, the director hopes that the players continue their upward progression.

Off the pitch, Tuesday’s announcement that the Stadio della Roma project has been granted final approval only enhanced the current positive mood around the club.

“I don’t know [what we can achieve]. I think we are working game by game, to continue this improvement,” he said. “We have total faith in this squad, in this group, and we want to go as far as we can. We are all working together towards this.”

He added: “I think that December 5 will be a memorable day in Roma’s history. We are very pleased. It’s great that we will have our stadium, and it’s a huge boost for the club.”

Fans took to social media in delight ahead of the match, when television cameras caught the Spaniard singing along with Roma’s pre-match hymn.

“Seven months here, I have worked every day for this team,” he said. “My singing is pretty bad though – I think I still have to work on that a lot!

“I don’t think I’m a Romanista 100% just yet, but it’s true that, every day, I’m finding and learning more and more this love and passion for the Giallorossi.”