Coric and Bianda eager to learn as they start Roma adventure

Read what both youngsters had to say about their new adventure in the Italian capital.

Ante Coric

What was it like being welcomed by Daniele De Rossi on your first day?

“Yes, of course, it’s a pleasure to be welcomed by a player like him. I am very happy to be here and get going more and more. And, when the season starts, I’ll be ready.”

People have drawn comparisons between you and Luka Modric Are you a similar player to him?

“Of course I like Luka Modric, he is Croatia’s best player. And of course when they say I play like him I am happy about that. But I must improve more and more, and show what I can do on the pitch. I am happy when they say Coric and Modric. But I am more low than him and I must train and train and train to get to the same level as him.”

What does it mean to have someone like De Rossi as your captain?

“Yes, it is very important to have a captain like him. When I met him I was very happy, he is such a good player. We can learn a lot from him about character, and as a player too.”

What are your aims for this season?

“First of all I want to start training, and show on the field what I have to give. The coach will decide how much I play and everything. My position is attacking midfield but I know I have to improve my defence. But, as I said, the coach will decide how much I play.”

You have already been abroad, joining Red Bull Salzburg when you were very young. Will that experience help you?

“I want to thank Red Bull Salzburg, it was very nice there. I was 14 at the time and I think I improved a lot there. It was four years, a nice experience, very nice, and then I went to Dinamo.”

What were you feelings when you heard of Roma's interest?

“When I heard Roma, I waws like ‘Woah’. This is a big club. I just want to show myself here. That’s it. Roma is a big, big, big club. I like it hear. When I heard Roma, I just said yes.”

Have you spoken to Eusebio Di Francesco yet? What did he say?

“I had a little chat with the coach. It was a nice chat. I will just be patient.”

William Bianda

How do you feel about joining Roma at such a young age?

“Moving from Lens to Roma is a big change for me and I hope it all goes well. I'm happy to be here at this great club. It's an honour.”

People have drawn comparisons between you and Raphael Varane back in France. Are you a similar player to him?

“It's true, I've often been compared to him, maybe because we come from the same club and we came through the same youth ranks. He's established himself as a world-class player and he's someone I see as a role model.”

How important was it for you to have a player like Daniele De Rossi here to greet you in your first few days at the club?

“De Rossi is a magnificent player and it's important for youngsters like myself to be able to train with people like him – it's an honour too. We've spoken a bit and he immediately made me feel welcome.”

How much game time do you expect to get this season?

“I know there'll be lots of competition for places, as there is at all big clubs. I'm 18 and I have to learn a lot from the more experienced players so that I'm ready to step in whenever I'm called upon.”

Why did you decide to come to Roma at such a young age and not one of the big French clubs? Was it down to Monchi or did they not notice you in France?

“I joined Roma because this club offered me the best prospects for my personal development. I'm at a great club and that's all that matters.”

Have you spoken to Eusebio Di Francesco at all? If so, what did he say to you?

“Yes, we've spoken. He likes working with young players. He was really nice and he told me we're going to work very hard together.”