Gonalons' first press conference: De Rossi can be an example for me

See what the central midfielder had to say as he fielded questions from reporters.

You said before you did not hesitate in joining Roma - why was this?

Gonalons: “Hello, everyone. I apologise as I don’t speak Italian – I’ll start using it soon. Why did I choose Roma? They are a great club and things unfolded very quickly. As soon as I realised things were becoming difficult at Lyon, I did not hesitate in choosing this great club. I’m delighted to be a Roma player and I’ll do my absolute best for the club.”

What impression did you get of Eusebio Di Francesco?

“I’ve already spoken to him a bit, with the interpreter’s help. I know that he sees my role as very important. He showed confidence in me right away and that’s one of the reasons that I’m here and that I signed for Roma. When the coach shows faith in you, it’s then time to train as best and as hard as possible, to repay that faith. I’ll have to adapt to the Italian league, which is tough.”

You have a similar role to Daniele De Rossi; do you think you can play with him in Di Francesco’s 4-3-3 set up, moving to one of the slightly wider midfield roles?

“Obviously I know that I’ve got a fantastic player by my side in De Rossi, someone I’ve admired for a long time. He’s always been an example for me. I’d hoped to emulate his kind of career, but I’ve been unable to stay at the same team. Now I just have to learn from players like him, especially because my favourite position is just in front of the defensive line.”

What are your expectations for this season?

“I thank Monchi and the coach for the faith they’ve shown and for having brought me here. We’ve got a strong team here and we’re playing in a very competitive league. I’m here to win titles and I know we’ve got the likes of Juventus in front of us, a team that has dominated for years and won numerous league titles. We’ll do our best to compete with them – there’s a real will to win.”

You’ve had a career so far that is similar to those of Francesco Totti and De Rossi with Roma. Did things come to an end with Lyon because of your criticism of the president?

“Yes that’s true. There was a bit of a misunderstanding with the president. My career up to now has been with Lyon and I have a good relationship with everyone there, including the president. I would have liked to have a career like Totti or De Rossi, but that wasn’t possible. Even so, my affection for the club remains – it’s where I developed and became a man. I wanted a new adventure and to go abroad. This opportunity with Roma is a wonderful one; I want to keep on developing and win titles. This is a great squad here.”

Do you have the best midfield in Italy?

“Yes, I think so. It’s made up of great players and guys with a lot of experience. I’m convinced we can achieve great things. I saw how good Roma are in this area in the Europa League. I wanted to measure myself against players of this level. I’m sure we’ll have a great season.”

Are you hopeful that Roma can help you get another call up for the national team, ahead of the World Cup?

“It’s a very important year for me, even though I’ve not been involved for a few years. There is a new generation of French players that are establishing themselves. I’ve no particular objectives in that sense, but I wouldn’t mind getting back into the fold.”

That sense of belonging that Di Francesco mentioned, do you think it’s important for a team?

“I think the team is the most important thing, the collective. It’s crucial that we’re willing to sacrifice ourselves for one another. That’s my way of doing things and of playing – it’s my number one priority.”