Santon and Mirante face the media at Trigoria

Read what both men had to say about the coming season...

DAVIDE SANTON

What does it mean for you to join Roma at this point in your career?

“It means an opportunity to start again, to bounce back. I came here because I want to show everything that I have to give. That is why I am here.”

You have been very versatile in your career, but is your preferred position at right back?

“I think that at Roma we have some great players like Florenzi and Kolarov. I can play both the full-back spots and I don’t have a preference – whatever I am asked to do I will train hard, with the desire to get back to the levels I have been at in the past. After that, then the coach will decide. I am here to do everything I can to play an important role in this squad.”

You had your ups and downs when working with Roberto Mancini – at Roma do you think you have the chance to get back into the national team?

“Certainly, he has shown he is a top coach who deserves to lead the national side. What I have always focused on in my career is doing well for my club. After that, getting a call-up to the national team is a reward for the form you show with your club. If my appearances are good enough, perhaps I can get back into the national team.”

You have had a difficult time with social media lately: did something go wrong and do you hope for a better rapport with the fans here?

“My relationship with Inter fans is in the past for me. There were a few issues but I have already forgotten about it. With the Roma fans there has been a good welcome. I don’t know if they are all happy, but yesterday I was pleased to get a warm welcome when we trained in front of the fans. You can see that Roma means something more to them and I admire that. I will try to give everything I have to show that same passion on the pitch.”

How is your knee? A while a go it was suggested that you could not play too many games in a row…

“I can play in every game if needed. Like other players who have had surgery on their knee, from time-to-time it requires some attention. But my knee is fine, I feel good and if I am needed to play every three days it is not a problem.”

Have Roma ever shown interest in you before?

“Yes, there was some contact when I was in England, and again after I returned to Inter.”

ANTONIO MIRANTE

What does it mean to join Roma at this point in your career?

“It is an important moment for me, an ambition achieved as well, to get the chance to play for a top side. It comes a bit later in my career and that is something to be proud of, but also gives me real motivation and a desire to work hard, to play even better than I have done up to this point. It is up to me to show I can do it.”

You are used to being the starter: how will you face the season being less sure of your chances?

“Nothing will change for me, apart from perhaps on Sundays. There are a lot of games in a season and a top side always needs to have two top goalkeepers ready to play. The work I put in on the changing ground won’t change, if anything I will try to do even better. I am here with a burning desire to do well, from the first day I saw the mentality about the place and I feel like it’s a great time to join.”

How would you describe coach Savorani’s approach with you?

“The way goalkeepers have improved here in recent seasons is clear for everyone to see. He is very demanding, but at the same time he puts great focus on the technique – something which I like, which I think is the basis for any good goalkeeper. He has made a big impression on me, both at a technical level and a personal one. Even at my age there is still a lot I can learn, and I will be very receptive to his advice.”

You were close to joining Roma a few times: can you remember when?

“There was some contact when I was at Parma, and again last summer. When I felt that the interest was a bit more concrete this time around I really pushed for it: I didn’t have any other thoughts.”

Have any of your teammates made a particular impression on you?

“I think the mentality has made the biggest impression on me; it’s a strong squad, with a great attitude. There’s nothing missing, the young players here have a lot of ability and I think the club has done some good business. There is a lot of room for the guys to improve and they are putting the effort in and I’m sure they will be ready soon. Compared to my generation it seems like they are all a step further forward and ready to be competitive at the highest level.”

What sort of role can you play with Daniel Fuzato?

“With both me and Alisson he will find teammates that he can come to with anything. There are always moments when a goalkeeper needs someone to lean on. At 35 I still fell in great shape and ready to show what I can do. I will work hard every day so I am ready as and when I am required on Sundays.”