Nzonzi ready to do whatever the team needs as he targets Roma success

The midfielder, who won the World Cup with France in the summer, fielded a number of questions about his decision to join the Giallorossi.

Read what the 29-year-old had to say:

Steven, what do you think you can bring to Roma?

“As a central midfielder, I think I have the ability to win and retain possession, helping the team to play forward into attack. Every player has their own abilities, my aim is to give my best for the club.”

You’ve returned to training only recently, after winning the World Cup in the summer. When do you think you will be back in top form?

“As soon as possible. Our holidays are over, now I am happy to be here and I want to get back in top shape very quickly. I will work hard to get back to my best – I don’t want to put a date on it, but I hope to be able to help the team as soon as possible.”

You have always played alongside great players: do think it is harder to win a place in the team against N’Golo Kante or Daniele De Rossi?

“They are two great players, but you cannot really compare them – they have different characteristics. They are players with experience who have won things during their career. I am competing for a spot against them, but we can play together as well.

"It will be a pleasure to play with De Rossi – we will see how we can play together. I have played in every role of the modern central midfielder. It’s not an issue for me, so I don’t know if it will be a tougher battle [than with Kante]. France and Roma are two great squads, but it’s hard to compare them.”

Did winning the World Cup convince you to change teams?

“No, winning did not make me want to move clubs. I had three great years at Sevilla but I already felt like I needed a new challenge. Roma is a great club, one that will help me to improve both as a player and a person.”

Last season Roma reached the semi-finals of the Champions League: how do you think you can do this season?

“Roma did great last season and the aim is always to improve. Winning trophies is difficult, as we all know, but the aim for every player at a great club like Roma is to go and win trophies. It’s something easy to say but tough to make into reality: we need to work hard and believe in it with everything we have.”

Have you already spoken to Di Francesco about what he will ask you to do?

“With tactical things, I am ready to do whatever the coach asks. If we play with three or four midfielders, it doesn’t matter to me, I will adapt to whatever the team needs. Beyond formations and structures, what matters is the tactical executions.

"The main thing is that there is good communication among the players on the pitch and we are able to organise ourselves properly.”

What type of player are you?

“I’m ready to do whatever the team needs. I played one season at Sevilla in front of the defence – a role I like – but I also played further forward for them. The main thing is the organisation between the players and the other centre midfielders.

"I like to cover all the midfield roles, but it will depend on the characteristics of the others we have here too.”

What did you recognise in Monchi that made you want to link up with him again at Roma?

“Monchi helped me a lot when I arrived at Sevilla – we were able to enjoy some great moments together, and there were some tougher ones too. Monchi has great experience, he knows how to win, he has already won plenty. Now I am at another new club, one I’m still getting to know.

"To win you need so many different things, some of which are tough to predict. The key thing is to work hard and show the product of that hard work out on the pitch.”