Kumbulla: Once Roma were interested I didn't hesitate

Summer signing Marash Kumbulla faced questions from the media at Trigoria on Thursday afternoon, as he was formally presented as a Roma player.

Having made his debut for the club during the weekend draw against Juventus, Kumbulla had plenty to say about his start to life with the Giallorossi.

Here are all the Albania international's answers...

Roma are the only team to have fielded three centre-backs born after 1996 so far in Serie A. Do you see playing in such a young backline as extra responsibility or extra motivation?

“It motivates us more. We are young but we showed how well coordinated and how focused we were in the last match. And being young, we can only get better. It's not just the three of us in defence though – we have other players too.”

Pedro said you're targeting Champions League qualification. Do you agree?

“Pedro is a world-class player with a wealth of experience. His words motivate us to do even better and try to go as far as we possibly can.”

Genoa now have 15 confirmed cases of Covid. How worried are you as players? Is it something you talk about in the dressing room?

“Yes, we do talk about it. We feel confident about the safety measures being taken here in Trigoria, and where I was in Verona before. We're not overly worried.”

Your agent said that negotiations to bring you to Roma were completed really quickly. What was your first thought? And how hard was it to leave Verona?

“I was very excited. And yes, the talks were done and dusted very quickly. When I got the call from Roma I had no doubts – because of the club, the city and the fans. It was easy to decide quickly but obviously it was hard to leave Verona because I was born and grew up there. I see it as a step forward in my career.”

How close to joining Lazio were you? And how happy are you that Roma came in for you?

“Various clubs showed an interest in me in recent months, but as I said I had no doubt about coming here. I'm delighted that I chose Roma.”

What's your favourite position in defence?

“I don't have a favourite position. I can play anywhere in defence: centre-left, centre-right or central. I'll play wherever the boss wants me.”

What differences have you noticed between Paulo Fonseca and Ivan Juric?

“The main difference is tactical: Juric prefers to man-mark while with Fonseca we defend as a unit, all together.”

What areas of your game do you think you need to improve?

“I think you should always try to improve in all areas, but more specifically I think I can improve passing with my weak foot.”

How did it feel to make your debut against Juventus?

“I was so happy to make my debut. It felt special and exciting to be playing against Juventus. We're disappointed we didn't get all three points because we deserved to win.”