Spinazzola's first interview: 'I've always liked Roma'

After completing his transfer to Roma over the weekend, defender Leonardo Spinazzola sat down with Roma TV to discuss his move.

The Italy international, 26, signed a four-year contract with the club - joining from Italian champions Juventus.

Speaking after signing the contract, Spinazzola revealed his delight at joining the Giallorossi.

“It is a really great feeling," he said.

"I’ve always had a real affinity for Roma, ever since I was a little boy – from back when [Gabriel] Batistuta was at the club. I used to celebrate like him. So I’ve always had a liking for the club, and Roma have always played a good style of football that I enjoy watching."

He added: “And then of course the city is amazing, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The stadium is amazing, the fans are brilliant and so passionate – so I am really happy to be here."

Spinazzola was asked about his targets, both individually and for the team, during the upcoming campaign - as new coach Paulo Fonseca looks to stamp his identity on the squad.

“I think it is a ‘Year Zero’ for this Roma," Spinazzola said.

"As they explained the project to me, it will be with a lot of Italians, a lot of young players, so this is the start of a new adventure for us. For me that is something very important, because it is a new cycle with a new coach in charge.

"It’ll be a good group; I already know seven or eight of the lads from the national team so I think there’ll be a good spirit, and hopefully we can build something together.

“I think I’ll start with some big targets. I want to have another great season in the league – like I have done in the last, well, the last three seasons or so. Even last year, for Juve, I had a good season even if I did not play so many games. I did well when I played. I want to play a lot, with consistency, staying fit and focused."

As for the team targets, he added: "Well, I think we are starting again, so we have to see how things pan out. On the 8th or 9th of July we will meet all the other players and the new coach, and it’s the start a new project.

"Slowly we have to build the team spirit, first of all, and then after that we will see what we can do out there on the pitch."