Vermaelen: Now the Europa League really gets interesting

The Giallorossi, already confirmed as winners of Group E, completed the group stage phase of the competition with a 0-0 draw against Astra Giurgiu in Bucharest on Thursday - in a game that saw Vermaelen play the full 90 minutes for the first time in a number of months.

Roma will find out their opponents in the last-32 on Monday and, while opponents including Villarreal and Manchester United potentially await, Vermaelen believes his side should be confident.

“We are now into the knockout stage which is interesting, anything can happen. We cannot afford any more mistakes," Vermaelen said. "They are some big clubs in there, for us it is something we want to achieve – we want to go as far as we can in the competition and even win it, because I think Roma is a big club and can do that.

"From now on it will get very interesting. We will look at the draw and see what comes up.”

More immediately, it was a boost for both the player and his manager to see Vermaelen complete a full 90 minutes at the Arena Nationala.

“I feel good, very happy to play 90 minutes straight away," he said. "I had no problems physically. In general, I’m pleased to be back training with the team, and on the pitch. And today I could make the 90 minutes without any problems at all so that makes me very happy.”

After hearing that the coach had praised his performance, the defender added: “I’m happy with that compliment. He’s the guy who puts the players on the pitch. I try to give 100% and when I’m happy it’s easier to do that. At this moment I feel very happy at this club and with this team and this mister. I’m enjoying myself and that’s the way I’ll produce my best.”

For the squad attention now turns to two big Serie A matches against AC Milan and Juventus.

“They are very important games because they are direct rivals and it’s close at the top," Vermaelen acknowledged. "It’s very important we win these games.

"I think it’s too early to be decisive games but they are certainly important, against two rivals who are very close with us. We will go into those games with a lot of confidence from the derby, and with a lot of focus to try and win those games.”