Federico Fazio’s first interview as a Roma player

“I’m a strong footballer, a fighter, and above all I’m a winner,” declared the Argentine defender. “Wherever I go I always want to win trophies – that’s why I came here.”

Fazio revealed that it was Roma’s ambitious plans that convinced him to swap make the move to Rome.

“I spoke to Walter Sabatini and he set out Roma’s ambition and desire to have a great season and win a trophy. That was a big factor in my decision to come here. I’m desperate to win silverware with Roma and hopefully it will happen this season.”

How does it feel to be a Roma player?

“Thanks for the welcome. I'm thrilled to join a great club like Roma and my wife and family are happy to be here too.”

Have you spoken to Luciano Spalletti yet?

“No, I haven't but I can't wait to get started once the team are back from the tour. I'm looking forward to meeting the coach and my new team-mates.”

Have you been keeping tabs on Roma? What do you know about Italian football in general?

“I've followed Serie A ever since I started playing football as a boy. It was the most exciting league when I was growing up and also the one that got the most coverage in Argentina because of all the Argentine players here. I remember the year [Gabriel] Batistuta won the title with Roma and it was always a dream of mine to play in Serie A one day. Now I can add this to my experience in Spain and England. I have the chance to realise my dream of playing in the league I always wanted – and what's more for the best team in Italy.”

Which areas of your game do you think you still need to work on?

“When you're playing in a league like Serie A for a club the size of Roma, you have to keep improving all the time. I'm sure Roma will help me grow as a player. The main thing for me now is to get down to work and start training with the team so that I can start learning about Roma and Italian football from the inside.”

You've already won lots of silverware at other clubs. What does a team like Roma need to go all the way?

“The players' ambition is very important and you need to be utterly committed and determined to win. Everyone knows Roma are a big club and this year we must fight to lift a trophy. I'm sure we can manage it if we show the right ambition and commitment – those are key qualities and people appreciate them.”

Have you figured out why you didn't get much of a look-in at Tottenham?

“I joined Tottenham after playing in the Spanish league and English football is obviously different. Every league is particular and it will be the same in Italy. I was happy in England. It's a very physical, aggressive, direct game. After a few years I decided to make this move to Italy and Roma. I see it as a step forward and I've very happy about it.”

You'll link up with lots of fellow Argentines at Roma. Do you think that will help you settle in?

“Yes, most teams have a few Argentine players and I've always played alongside Argentines. My granddad was Italian, part of my family is Italian and our customs are very similar. I have Italian blood in me.”

You'll also link up with an old team-mate of yours, Diego Perotti.

“We spent lots of seasons together at Sevilla. It didn't go too well for him on the football side but Seville is a fantastic city and life is very good there. He told me it's the same in Rome. I came to visit him here last year so I know the city already and Diego has told me lots of wonderful things about the club and the city.”

You played with Erik Lamela at Tottenham. Did he tell you anything about Roma and the Giallorossi fans?

“He was always talking to me about Roma, even before I had the opportunity to come here. He said he was very happy to have had the chance to play here. He has some great memories and says he'd love to come back one day.”

How do you prepare for a Champions League play-off?

“It's a huge tie. The team spent the whole season fighting to finish third last year and be able to play in the Champions League this season. The Champions League is special – there's no other competition like it. It means we start the season with a massive game because our place in the group stage hangs on it. We'll need to go into it like every other match – with ambition, 100% commitment and be determined to go as far as possible in every competition we play in.”

Do you have a message for the Giallorossi fans?

“Roma is a huge club, the best in Italy, and we'll get this club where it deserves to be come the end of the season.”

- Federico Julian Fazio