Monchi extremely satisfied to add Schick to the squad

Schick completed his move to the Giallorossi on Tuesday afternoon, in an initial loan move that will become a club record transfer by the time all the terms are activated.

And, after confirming the transfer will be the last incoming for the club in this transfer window, the Spaniard acknowledged that it is a deal he is already very happy with.

"This is the final player presentation for us in this transfer window – there won’t be any others," Monchi said. "I have been operating in the role of a sporting director for 17 years, and this is perhaps the signing where I feel the most pleased, satisfied and proud: to have brought such a magnificient player to Roma, to have had the backing of the club in making this deal, and for the desire from the player to come.

"At both a personal and a professional level, I am very pleased.”

See everything else Monchi had to say in the transcript below.

What prompted you to bring Schick to Roma and why do you think you won the battle?

"The motive? Good footballers always find room on top sides and he is a great player. How did we beat the competition? It was the work of everyone involved: the coach, Francesco Totti, the club in the form of Mauro Baldissoni and myself, and of course [Patrik’s] desire.

"We worked hard together to give Patrik the most attractive proposal. We thought it was suitable for his future."

What is the importance of Roma-Chapecoense on Friday?

"It will be a game of many feelings and emotions. We hope that it will be a good tribute to football, to Brazilian football and all those who lost their lives in this tragedy. It is a privilege for Roma, for the club and everyone involved to host this game. Football needs occasions like this.”

Are you trying to seal the departures of Castan, Gyomber, Tumminello and Vainqueur?

“The situations for those four are all different. At this time we are working hardest on the exits of Gyomber and Vainqueur. With Tumminello we are looking at things with a calm head. We feel even if he stays here the coach likes him and feels that he will have the chance to learn and improve with the group. That’s something we want as a club. For Castan, if we do not find a move that suits him and suits the club and he could also remain here.”

Before signing Schick you were very focused on Mahrez: what were the differences between the two negotiations?

"The answer is simple: You can’t buy something from someone that does not want to sell. You arrive at a point where you have to stop pushing.”

You were looking for a wide player and Schick and Defrel arrived: did you change plan along the way? Could Florenzi still be a wide forward?

“I will tell you a little secret that Patrik really already knows. My first trip away from Rome, to Milan to be precise, was to negotiate a deal for Patrik Schick – two months and a bit ago. Patrik has always been one of our main targets. In those moments, for reasons outside of Roma, the player was on the road towards Juventus.

“I don’t want to go into tactical matters, my job is to find the best possible players for the coach. I think that there is enough room for everyone: Schick, Defrel, Florenzi, Cengiz, Dzeko. Fortunately we have a great coach to choose how to use these players.”

You said at the start Roma’s window is now closed – don’t you still need a defender?

“All the the decisions we have made in this period were made with the input and agreement of the coach. We have worked brilliantly with Eusebio on all the decisions. All teams can be imporved, but you need to have the finances available to do so. Roma has made important moves in this window, as much as we could: it is the most sensible way to operate, looking for the best given the available options.

“Can the squad still be improved? Of course, all teams can be improved – including the Barcelona of Cruyff or Guardiola or Zidane’s Real Madrid.”

Is El Shaarawy staying?

"Yes. There haven’t been any offers."

Have you ever had such complex negotiations?

"No, they were just complex enough. We had to think through things in a unique way to convince Sampdoria to let him go.”

What is your verdict on Roma’s transfer window?

"We achieved a few objectives. I am satisfied, but delighted? No, because I am ambitious by nature. As a mitigating factor, I would say that this year the market for me started in June, whereas in previous years it has begun the previous year. Verdict? I would say we have done well enough, but I need to study more ahead of next year.”

Schick and Karsdorp were also wanted by [ex-Roma sporting director, now at Inter] Walter Sabatini: is it 2-0 to you?

“No, it’s not a battle – and to get to his level I still need to put in a lot of work."