Perotti: We mustn't stop now

“We have to keep on picking up the wins,” the Argentine declared in an interview with Sky Italia. “We're not in third place yet and that's where we want to be so we mustn't stop now. It's not easy to win five in a row in Italy, and we should expect a tough game at Empoli, but we have to go for win number six.”

The former Sevilla man has made an instant impact since moving to the Italian capital from Genoa in January, with two goals and two assists in five appearances, four of which as a starter.

“Everything has happened so quickly since I joined. I was thrown straight into the team and that means a lot to a footballer. I made my debut against Sassuolo just two or three days after coming here and I've played nearly every game since. It was important for me to feel that everyone believed in me. There's nothing better when you've just joined a new club.”

Spalletti has certainly shown his trust in you. Does it help a player like you having an attack-minded coach?

“Yes, it does. I like getting forward and it's easier with him. I'm also lucky to have some fantastic footballers as team-mates as that helps even more.”

Did you expect to play as a link-up striker or do you prefer to operate as a wide forward?

“The only thing I want is to play. I'm here for the coach and whatever he and the team need me to do. I played pretty much everywhere up front for Genoa but, as I said, the only thing I need is to play. I'm 27 and I need to play as many games as possible, in whatever position.”

The world of football is wondering about Francesco Totti's future. What's your view on the matter?

“Francesco is a massively important player for us. He's our captain and he's training really hard so I hope he stays with us.”

What sort of understanding have you developed with the other forwards in the squad?

“A really good one. As I said before, when you're a new player and you get to play straight away that really helps. It takes some of the pressure off you compared to if you just go on for 10 or 15 minutes when it's perhaps harder to make an impact. I wasn't expecting to start so many matches straight away but it's given me the confidence I was lacking when I arrived because I didn't think I'd play so much.”

You always put in a shift for the team and create lots of chances for your team-mates but you perhaps don't score enough for someone with your ability. Would you agree?

“I would, yes. I've always said that I've never scored loads of goals throughout my career and I'd like to score more. It's something I have to work on. I need to improve and keep doing the good things I'm doing. But if my team-mates score instead of me that's absolutely fine.”