Perez's first interview: Italian football can bring out my best

New Roma winger Carles Perez sat down with Roma TV on Thursday to discuss his move to the Italian capital.

After completing his switch from Spanish champions Barcelona, the 21-year-old is eager to make a big impression on Italian football...

Welcome to Roma, Carles, what are your initial feelings after completing the move?

“Thank you – it’s a good feeling. I know that I am leaving a huge club in Barcelona, but I am joining another big team too. I’m really happy, I’m really excited to start training alongside my new teammates. I’ve spoken with the coach and I’m really ready to go.”

What did the coach say to you?

“His comments before I came here really motivated me and they helped convince me to make this move. He told me that he will explain in great detail all the things he expects from me and I can’t wait to repay the faith he has shown in me already.”

This will be your first experience playing abroad; what do you expect from this chapter of your career?

“I always want to improve as a player, and I think I can do that here. That’s why I chose this club. Especially because of the way the team plays. I can’t wait to get started.”

What do you like about Italian football?

“Different things, the intensity of the games and the way people live it here. In Spain they are really passionate about football, but so far from what I’ve felt here it is another level up. I can’t wait to wear this shirt and experience the passion of the Roma fans, a passion everyone knows about.

"I want to challenge myself against Italian defences, which everyone says are some of the toughest around – that’s another motivation to do well. I can’t wait to measure myself against such challenges and help my teammates in front of goal.”

What are your main qualities as a player?

“I’m fast, I’ve got an eye for goal. I like to go one-on-one against players, either cutting outside or going down the flank. I can play on the left and the right, although I prefer playing from the right.”

This season you’ve already achieved a lot – your first team debut, your first Champions League goal, your first Spain Under-21 call-up. What has that meant to you?

“It has been six great months, probably the best of my life so far. It’s great to think about the goal I scored on my Champions League debut, at an iconic stadium like the San Siro. But Barcelona is the past now, I’m fully focused on Roma.”

What are your targets for the future?

“I want to deliver what the coach asks of me, helping the team on the pitch with assists and goals. I want to help the team finish as high up the table as we can.”