El Shaarawy’s press conference in full

Here's the new Giallorossi forward's first news conference in full.

What does Luciano Spalletti want from you tactically?

“He told me first and foremost that I have to give everything because this is a great chance for me. I'm delighted to have joined a club with so much history as Roma. I'm training with the rest of the team so that's good.”

What's the atmosphere like in the dressing room?

“There's a relaxed atmosphere and all my new team-mates have been really friendly and welcoming. It's a difficult period but I know we have an excellent squad here with two leaders in Daniele [De Rossi] and Francesco [Totti] – they're world class. I've come here to be successful and I'm going to give it everything I've got. We'll all do that so that we can achieve great results.”

Can you talk us through your career so far?

“In my first year at AC Milan, [Massimiliano] Allegri showed great faith in me and I played loads of games. That continued in my second season too and I had an excellent first half to the campaign. Then the last two years I struggled with lots of injuries – one in particular which kept me out for six months instead of the three months expected because I suffered a setback. I had lots of injuries and that made it hard. I wanted to make a fresh start by going to Monaco – my first experience abroad. I didn't exactly have a superb first half of the season but it was a great experience. I got on well with my team-mates and less well with the coach, but he made his choices. I've turned the page now. I'm here and focused on nothing but doing well with Roma.”

Are you ready to play straight away?

“Physically I'm fine. Training is more intense here and we do more fitness work than at Monaco, where most of the time we worked with the ball. I've already had three training sessions with the team and I'm ready if the coach wants to call on me."

Which positions can you play in?

"I've always said I prefer to start wide on the left but I can play in other positions as well. The coach is trying me out on the flank in a five-man midfield. I'm happy wherever.”

Did Antonio Conte influence your decision to accept Roma's offer?

“Roma was always my priority but I discussed and agreed the move with AC Milan. I could see that [Walter] Sabatini and the coach believed in me and I'm really happy to be here. I want to get off to a good start at Roma and do my very best.”

In an interview you said you didn't think Milan was the place for you anymore. Do you think Rome is the right place?

“There were things that happened in Milan which hurt me but helped me to grow. Rome is a very demanding city to play in but as footballers we're used to that. We just have to put the blinkers on and concentrate on ourselves and the team. There were lots of nasty things said about me that quite honestly I found hard to swallow. It's part and parcel of the game though. I just keep doing my thing and trying to give 100%. That's what I've always done throughout my life.”

Roma have recently brought in a new coach. What do you think the team can aim for this season?

“The new coach can pick the team up. We shouldn't set ourselves any targets other than taking each game as it comes. We have to train well during the week and make sure we're as ready as we can be when the match comes around. For now we're just thinking about Saturday.”

Do you think this could be your last chance at the top level?

“It's an opportunity for me to revive my career and get back to the level I was at before. I haven't spoken to Conte but he's shown he believes in me. My aim is to play at the Euros and to do that I first have to perform well at Roma.”

Do you think you can do a good job playing as a wide midfielder?

“I do, yes. As I said before, I can play wide in midfield. I can also play in a four-man midfield or in behind a front man. Getting a good run of games is the main thing; where I play is not a problem.”

Are you sorry you didn't stay at AC Milan?

“I'm still contracted to AC Milan. Once I left Monaco I spoke with them and it was decided I would go elsewhere. Roma was my priority and I'm happy to be here.”

When will we see you back at your best?

“The last month wasn't easy. It was frustrating to train knowing I wouldn't play but I just got on with training to get myself fit. I think I'm in good shape now.”