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Maxime Gonalons spoke in glowing terms about his midfield team-mate and Roma captain Daniele De Rossi, highlighting his status as a top-level performer, one the new recruit can learn from as he embarks on his adventure in Italy.
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, the Frenchman described the Roma icon as “a world-class player”, adding: “He’s a symbol for Roma, just like [Francesco] Totti was.”
“For me it’s simply a pleasure to be able to work alongside him, also because he speaks a bit of French and can help me settle in here.”
Here’s a summary of what else the new signing had to say, when he spoke in Boston during the Giallorossi’s ongoing tour of the United States.
A straight question: why Roma?
“That’s easy – because they’re one of the top teams in Italy. Because the Italian league has got back that allure, as it had previously. Because I fully believe I can fulfil my aims here, also on the international stage perhaps. When I got the call, there was no hesitation. It was hugely exciting for me, also because [Miralem] Pjanic and [Clement] Grenier encouraged me to accept.”
You were captain at Lyon, here you’ll be competing with the Roma captain for a place in the team. That’s new for you.
“De Rossi is an icon here – a world class player. He’s a symbol for Roma, just like Totti was. For me it’s simply a pleasure to work alongside him. He speaks a bit of French so he can help me settle in here.”
There’s a risk that you’ll be on the bench here; doesn’t it worry you that you’ll need to prove yourself?
“Not at all. I’ve always fought to get my place in the team, whether it was at the start of my career with Lyon or with the French national team, where the competition was even more fierce. I’m here because I hope to play as many games as possible.”
What do you believe you bring to this Roma team?
“I’m a player who gives a lot for the team. I believe I have qualities that are useful as part of the group.”
Will your role be different in Eusebio Di Francesco’s 4-3-3 set up, as opposed to the formation you had at Lyon?
“Not hugely. Certain movements and tactical positions will be different. Perhaps we’ll play at a different speed, because it’s a quicker pace in the Italian league. But my role remains the same -I’m the team’s watchman.”
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