Cengiz reflects on contract extension

Last week Cengiz Under signed a new long-term contract with Roma, committing his future to the club until the summer of 2023.

The Turkey international sat down with Roma TV to discuss the decision.

Read what he had to say, as his attention now turns to the new campaign...

The renewal

"Of course I'm very happy. It was very much my desire to stay at this club long-term. We managed to get this done two days ago. I'm very happy to carry on playing here. I always said I still have a lot to achieve here, so I'm very happy to have signed a new contract.

"I hope this year is a successful one for us. I feel even more motivated now. I also feel in very good shape. So this season I'll try to give all I have, as has always been the case.

"Ultimately I feel that everyone has faith in me, including the club executives. As we said, the contract's been signed and the matter is settled. I'm grateful to all those who've shown faith in me. This was always the most important thing for me."

"From a footballing perspective, I think I've improved continuously and in many ways since I arrived here. My attitude on the pitch has got better, I think. I've also slowly improved from a physical standpoint.

"I think I can have a big impact this season. Over time I've got used to the league and I'm now more relaxed. I always try to maintain confidence in myself and show that on the field. I always want to score goals and provide assists. If we think about games I've played - I've tended to do that well. Of course that will be very important for us this year. I feel different - I firmly believe I can do even better."

Playing for Paulo Fonseca

"Considering our system in broad terms it's very different to previous seasons. I think we showed that in the game against Madrid. We're able to structure our passing game. We've begun building play from the back. We'll show that in the league, I believe.

"The coach really likes a passing game - that's how we're trying to play. Playing on the wing will be different for me, compared to previous systems. However, as I've said, I like this role and the style of play.

"Generally the coach wants the wingers to come inside to collect the ball. Now I'm trying to come more centrally to get on the ball. I always try to come inside and get close to my team-mates. For me, this is the biggest tactical change. The coach always wants us to come inside to get on the ball and help each other out. I think it's a simpler approach."

His teammates

"I often play up against Aleksandar Kolarov or Leonardo Spinazzola in training. Both are very difficult to face. Spinazzola is a very quick player. It's tough to beat him in a one-on-one out wide. Spinazzola puts me under a lot of pressure in that sense.

"I think we've made some good acquisitions. They are all players with real quality. They wouldn't be at Roma otherwise."

The start of the season

"We're at home for the opener. We need to make a good start, in front of our fans. It'll be important for our confidence too.

"I believe we'll make a good start. We'll see a strong Roma team out there and I think we'll get all three points. As I've already said I believe the first game is crucial. We need to win that first match and then we can think about the derby."

I tifosi

"The support from the fans is important for us, in every game. We want to see them at every game - they are the ones that give us energy. They're like a 12th man. We try to show that out on the pitch.

"The feeling you get from the fans, when you're out on the pitch - it's indescribable. I love the Roma fans. I hope they're expecting big things this season. I promise we'll have a good season. I promise we'll be back in the Champions League."