Digne: Why I chose Roma

After completing his move from PSG, the French left-back took time out to explain why he’s decided to reunite with the coach who handed him his professional debut and also delivered a message for his new fans…

Welcome to Roma, Lucas. How does it feel to have finally completed your move?
"Great. I got a great welcome at the airport from the fans and it’s all going well."

Lots of clubs – including Liverpool – were rumored to be after you this summer. Why did you choose Roma?
"First of all, I chose AS Roma because it’s a legendary club with a big history. The Champions League also had a big impact on my decision and having such strong support from the fans was massive for me. I know that in this city and at this club there’s everything you need to have success."

You’re now reunited with the man who managed you at Lille. Was Rudi Garcia a big factor in you coming here?
"Yes, the coach played a big part in my decision because I played under him for three years at Lille. I improved a lot under him and I really enjoyed working with him."

You were 17 when you turned professional at Lille. Did you always believe you would make it at the highest level?
"I never stopped to think about it. I’ve always played because of my passion for the game and I never wondered whether it would become my career. I always did everything I could to succeed and I’ve done so thus far, which I’m delighted about. But more than anything it’s a passion that I prefer to take day by day."

Do you remember your first meeting with Rudi Garcia?
"I think I was around 16 and a half when I first met the coach. It was a training session with the first team or perhaps we were even playing against them. I think Gervinho was there too. Yeah, I remember it."

For someone so young, you’ve already experienced a lot. Was playing at the World Cup the biggest highlight so far?
"Yes, I think my first start for France against Ecuador was a highlight because you’re representing your country and on top of that in a competition like the World Cup. It was fabulous. I believe that match was one of the highlights of my career."

You’ve made no secret of your desire to play for France in the European Championships next summer. Did that influence your decision to leave PSG?
"Yes, as I’ve already said, it’s important for me to get more playing time and get as many matches under my belt as I can before the Euros. Playing for a big club in the Champions League was very important for me as well, and I can do that at Roma, so I’m delighted."

Now you’re at Roma, what’s your goal for the season ahead?
"Win as many matches as possible and do the best we can as a team."

For fans who haven’t seen that much of you, can you tell us about the best attributes to your game?
"I like to attack. I’m a full-back who gets forward. I’d say I’m pretty quick too but to be honest I’m not in the best position to talk about my own game."

What part of your game do you still think you can improve?
"I think I can still improve tactically and in terms of my forward play. Getting the right timing, that’s somewhere else I can progress."

Playing in Serie A will be a new experience for you. How much do you know about the Italian league?
"Sure, it’s a different league and I watched the matches from this weekend. I saw that the teams stayed deep in front of their goal when the opposition had the ball. So it’s definitely a league where sides defend better tactically, and they’re renowned for defending well, and that’s very important for a defender like me."

How much do you know about Roma and your new team-mates?
"I know quite a lot about the club and my team-mates so you can ask me about that. I know the club was founded in 1927. They play at the Stadio Olimpico. Totti is beginning his 23rd season. They’ve made a lot of signings, bringing in Dzeko, Salah, Rudiger."

Mohamed Salah and Edin Dzeko have joined the club in recent weeks. Are you looking forward to playing alongside them?
"They’re top players who have played in the best leagues. Dzeko played for Manchester City last season. He’s a goalscorer who’s always got goals and I think he’s going to bring a huge amount to the team. We’ve all seen Salah play at Chelsea and at Fiorentina last season. We know what he can do, he takes players on and brings a lot to the team’s attacking play. They’re two good players and I think they’re going to contribute a great deal to the side."

Having won the title twice with PSG, Roma fans will be hoping you can do the same here. Is that a realistic expectation?
"As I said earlier, the aim is to take the team as far as we can and that’s what we’re going to try to do. We’re going to try and win as many matches as we can and do as well as possible."

Finally, do you have a message for the Roma fans?
"FORZA ROMA!"