Gonalons: It's amazing to see the support this club has

After playing his first 45 minutes in his new shirt in Tuesday's friendly meeting with Pinzolo Val Rendena, Gonalons revealed more about his thoughts and early impressions as work continues under Eusebio Di Francesco...

How have the first few training sessions gone here in Pinzolo?

“They've gone really well. We've only been here a few days but we've already had some really intense sessions. We're doing a lot of work on tactics too. I'm having a few difficulties with the language but my team-mates have helped me out there. I've started to learn a few football words and that's what I need most at the moment. They're easy and always the same.”

What's your first impression of the Roma fans?

“There have been loads of people here ever since we arrived and it's great to see. This is the biggest club in Italy besides Juve and Napoli. It's amazing to see how many people came here to see us play against a seventh-tier team.”

Did you speak to Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa when you were at Lyon?

“When Roma showed interest in me I spoke to him, to [Clement] Grenier and [Miralem] Pjanic and they all told me I should join Roma.”

Roma are due to play Juve soon. What's your relationship like with Pjanic?

“It will be nice to see him again and he's an amazing player, but as soon as the match starts friendships go out the window and your only thought is on beating the other team – that's how it should be in sport.”

You've often been playing at centre-back in training...

“Yes, I have. It's interesting and a good way for me to learn quickly how the coach wants us to build play.”

Who's the funniest team-mate?

“They're all a good laugh and [Alessandro] Florenzi is one of the funniest. I speak a lot with [William] Vainqueur and Keba [Coly] because they both speak French.”

You'll be off to the States soon – that's when it will start getting serious...

“Yes, the international players will join up with us so there'll be more competition, but that'll make it all the more satisfying when you earn your place in the team.”