Schick's first press conference: This club has big ambitions

On Wednesday afternoon new Roma signing Patrik Schick held his first press conference, alongside sporting director Monchi.

Read everything the Czech international had to say in the transcript below.

Question: How are you feeling, how are you doing physically?

Schick: “Yes, I’m okay and I’m ready to play a match.”

What are your thoughts at being at the Olimpico on Friday, for the friendly against Chapecoense?

“It will be maybe my first game in the Roma shirt, and I’m really looking forward to it. And also looking forward to seeing the fans: the first time I saw them at the airport was really exciting, so I’m looking forward [to more].”

You are joining a team that finished second in Serie A last season, but a lot of players have arrived and departed this summer. What are your hopes?

“Yes. For sure I know that Roma finished second last season, but also the team has bought new players. The team has a lot of ambitions and I hope that this season we can do big things.”

It has been a strange summer for you - after what happened with Juventus it was reported your preference was Inter. What was the case there?

“What happened with Juventus has happened. I don’t want to talk about it. That’s football. I’m not disappointed about it and absolutely I’m happy I can be here.

"I never did in the past some interviews about where I want to go or my plans or anything. After the Under-21 Euros finished I didn’t speak with journalists or anything. That’s only you. I didn’t say anything about this.

“Why did I choose Roma? It’s very simple. They are no differences between Roma and Juventus. They are top clubs with the same ambitions. I like Roma, it’s very sympathetic and I like the style of football, so that’s why.”

What do you think of being the club’s record signing?

“Yes, obviously I heard about. But maybe it’s not a question for me, it’s for the director [Monchi]. I am here to play football, I don’t care about how much I cost. I am happy to be here and now I concentrate only on football.”

When you were playing with the Under-21s you played on the right, so is that a role you are comfortable with?

“So, that’s not true – in the national team I have always played as the central forward. I prefer playing as the central forward. But I don’t have a problem to play on the right side because I am very often using the left foot so I always move into the centre using the left foot. So I feel good on the right as well.”

Francesco Totti said he sent you a message – what did that say?

“Yes, it’s true, I received a text message from Francesco. But I think it’s only between us [what he said]. Our secret.”

Sampdoria’s coach said you should have stayed there to develop…

“Yes, he can say that but it’s my decision. I wanted to go to Roma and that’s the main thing.”

With Juventus there was talk about your potential pairing with Paulo Dybala, their new No. 10. Now you are at Roma, that had a great No. 10 in Totti. Can you be his successor?

“Absolutely everyone knows Dybala is a top player, world-class. It’s nice to compare me with him but I am not like him. On the No. 10 shirt of Totti – Totti is the only one and I think no-one will come along like him. I am Schick.”

Why have you chosen the No. 14 shirt?

“I have No. 14 because I took it for the first time on the Under-21 national team and I scored a lot of goals for the national team with this number, so after when I went to Sampdoria 14 was free so also at Sampdoria I had a good season – so now also at Roma No. 14 was free, so it is my lucky number.”