Perotti eager to impress on Seville return

The Argentine winger first made the move to Europe with Sevilla when he was still a teenager, going on to spend seven years with the Spanish club.

Now at Roma, alongside former Rojiblancos colleagues Federico Fazio and Monchi, Perotti is looking forward to a one-off return to the familiar surroundings of the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

“I'm really excited about being back again after spending seven years here," Perotti said. "I have lots of friends here and Seville is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

"Tomorrow will be a very emotional occasion for me but I feel extremely proud to be able to pay homage to Antonio Puerta."

How have you changed since your time at Sevilla?

“I was a kid when I joined Sevilla and now I return as a father, more mature and more experienced. I grew up here and it's like a second home to me so I'm sure to feel the emotion tomorrow. It's been a long time since I last stepped onto this turf.”

How do you feel now compared to when you first came back in Pinzolo?

“I've been training really well since day one, trying to follow the coach's instructions both in the work he wants and the movement. We've got a new coach and we're still a work in progress but we're doing well. You have to put in the hard yards now to see you through the long season. Pre-season is vital in that regard and fortunately we haven't had many serious injuries so far.”

What are your targets for the coming season?

“My targets are the same as always: I want to win a trophy with this club because it would be incredible and unforgettable. We certainly have the team to do it. I want to give joy to our fans who are always behind us and who also expect a lot from us.”

Did you know Puerta when you were at Sevilla?

“I didn't get to know him that well because I was in the youth team when I first joined and he was in the first team. I never got to train with him. But I've heard so many wonderful things about him it's as if I had known him myself. It will be a special occasion being able to play a match in his memory tomorrow and he was a special person – a much loved figure by team-mates and fans alike.”

How does it feel to work with Federico Fazio and Monchi again at Roma?

“Federico is like a brother to me. We grew up together here at Sevilla. We've basically been team-mates for 10 years. It was really nice for me to get another chance to work with the director I had here for seven years and he was the one who bought me to Sevilla in the first place. I know what he's like and I know what results he's achieved. Hopefully he'll be able to continue that at Roma now.”

How do you like playing in the new role the coach has given you?

“I'm really enjoying it. I have to move between the lines more and make different runs to the sort I used to make. I have to come inside more and show for it without waiting for the ball. It means I'm closer to the heart of the team and I can play my team-mates in more and shoot more too. I have to work on all of those things. I'll have more options and won't keep making the same runs I made last season.”

Do you think Roma are a bit more predictable without Mohamed Salah up front? Would a player like Riyad Mahrez help to address the issue?

“Salah weighed in with 15-16 goals a season, provided assists too and offered a change of pace. I'm sure Monchi is working on bringing in a suitable replacement and I'm sure that whoever comes in will do at least as well if not better than Momo.”