Mayoral confident he will continue to grow at Roma

Here is a selection of what the Spaniard had to say - click here to read more [in Italian] from the interview!

On being a professional athlete while living with diabetes…

“It was difficult at first but I’ve been able to live with diabetes almost all my life because I’ve had it since I was four years old. I don't have a particular diet, but I have to control everything a little more than normal. I grew up like that, it's normal for me.”

On his experiences so far in Italy…

“At the beginning matches were much more difficult for me. I think it’s normal that I was struggling in the Italian football. In Italy, defenders mark you closely, you don’t have space for reasoning, for stopping the ball or turning. It’s particularly difficult when center-backs are always very close to each other, they follow you and hold you back and I’ve felt this a lot, but now I’m getting used to it.

"I am also studying Italian football, watching many videos and I’m speaking with the coach and his collaborators Nuno [Campos] and Tiago [Leal] to improve as much as possible. In Spain it is different, here I have to reason more to find space.”

On learning from Edin Dzeko…

“He is the type of striker I love, both for the way he moves in the box and across the pitch, and for the way he participates, he is very strong. When I arrived, I didn’t think I could play as I am doing now. I am very happy.

"With coach Fonseca I have a good relationship based on respect, I exchange views with him and all his staff. I also exchange views with Edin: I am learning a lot from him. On a human level, he immediately surprised me. One time he took me home because I didn’t have my car that day and we spoke a lot of Roma, football, the team. I like those who have a football culture like him. I’d like to “steal” his skills in headers and his way of being dominant.”

On deciding to leave Real Madrid…

“I’ve spoken enough about this. It’s great playing for Real Madrid, this is true and everyone knows it. In Madrid there was Karim Benzema who was and still is the starter, he is Real’s striker. I preferred coming here to grow as a player; after Levante I had to increase my level. Doing that here isn’t easy, but it makes you improve. I see myself here in two years.”

On qualifying for the Champions League – or winning the Europa League – this season…

“Let’s say that are both difficult. I think we are on the right path but there are still 13 matches left in the league and now two Europa League games; I think it’s too soon to speak of this and we can only think of the next match now. We have to keep focusing on one match at a time. It’s the only way to go on, the only solid way to approach things. Step by step.”