First interview: Kumbulla excited to develop at Roma

After completing his move to Roma on Thursday afternoon, we sat down with defender Marash Kumbulla to discuss his feelings at making the switch to the Italian capital.

Here's what the 20-year-old Albania international had to say...

Welcome to Roma, Marash! What are your initial feelings?

“The first impressions have been great – I’m met my new teammates and they really made me feel welcome. Everyone has done that: from the fans to the club staff. I have really been able to settle in well and I hope things continue like this.”

During this transfer window you have had a lot of clubs chasing you – what convinced you to choose Roma?

“What convinced me about Roma was the club, the coach, the staff, the qualities of the squad and the passion of the fans. All those elements made it easy for me to choose Roma."

Have you already spoken with Paulo Fonseca?

“I have already spoken with the coach, who immediately made a big impression on me. He explained to me how he wants me to play, and clearly with time I will get to learn and understand things better and hopefully we can win things together.”

Your first game for Roma could see you face the team you developed at?

“For me Verona is home and will always be so. I have to thank the club, my teammates and all the fans. They helped me to improve and I will never forget that.”

You’ve shown you have the attributes to play for a big club – but what are your best qualities?

“I think it’s my anticipation, I’m aggressive in that aspect. But I like to think that I am a defender that, while the focus is on defending, can also play the ball out too.”

Where do you think you still have room to improve?

“Being young I still have so many areas I can improve. From my point of view, I need to improve with dribbling the ball out from the back, and work on my weaker foot too.”

Last season you made your international debut for Albania...

“I made my senior debut last October – I hope I will be called up again and to help my country reach some important milestones.”

Another incentive to do as well as you can for Roma!

“I’m really pleased to be here. My target is to help the staff and my teammates to keep getting better and to win as many games as possible. That’s something we can achieve if we all push each other to improve.”

Do you have a message for the Roma fans?

“I want to thank the Roma supporters for the warm welcome they have given me. I will give everything I have to try and win and celebrate along with them.”