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Flanked by the club’s General Manager Tiago Pinto, the Portuguese offered a short introduction of his compatriot.
“Two years ago I would never have thought we would be sitting here together,” Pinto said.
“We have faced each other so many times [at Porto and Benfica]. But I am very happy he is here with us now. As I’ve said before, the January transfer window is never easy for anyone.
“You need to find players ready to perform straight away, who can help the team improve and develop. Sergio does not need any introduction, he’s a player of international standing that you all already know well.
"I am very pleased to be able to bring such a good midfielder to the club, one with such a strong desire to come to Roma.”
Oliveira then faced questions from the assembled media – here is everything he had to say.
At 29 years old, do you feel ready to bring a winning mentality to this group of players?
“I am 29, I’ve already shown what I am capable of as a footballer. I come here as a mature player, one who also feels the responsibility to help Roma. I want to do the best I can, both on and off the pitch.
"In terms of the personality, something the coach has also talked about, I think it is normal that be expected of us. The coach is used to winning and has always worked with great players. Roma has great players, players with personality, and I feel like another one of those – with the task of helping us to improve and to reach the targets we have.”
In signing you, Roma have also added a dead-ball specialist. Do you feel ready to take on that responsibility – and could you even become the assigned penalty taker?
“I have often taken free-kicks during my career, but that will be a decision for the coach. Roma already has two takers in Lorenzo Pellegrini and Jordan Veretout. But whenever you take the ball ahead of a penalty kick it means you are taking on the responsibility.”
What was it that convinced you to come to Roma? And what happened over the final few months for you at Porto?
“I am a player that really likes different challenges. I am really grateful to Porto and the coach there, for helping me improve so much and enabling me to reach these levels. We had five years together – and last season was probably the best of my career. I had the desire for a new challenge and a new experience, though.
“I had no fear about coming to Roma on loan. In order to earn the chance to make the move permanently I need to show what I can do on the pitch, both in training and during matches. The best way to demonstrate that is by starting to win games.”
Is getting back into the national team another ambition of yours?
“My aim is to be called up for the national team again. The coach knows that. In the World Cup qualifiers, Portugal need to win the first game, only then might they face Italy. But Portugal have what it takes to make it to the World Cup.”
Where would you say your best position on the pitch is?
“My preferred role, of all of them, is as the No. 8 in a midfield three. In a midfield two I like to play slightly deeper. But I can play wherever the coach wants to play me and I want to put my qualities at the disposal of the team.”
Earlier in your career you moved around a lot. How do you explain your development a bit later in your career?
“I think it has actually been a normal progression. We are not all Kylian Mbappe, a World Cup winner at 20. It’s true that I had some difficult spells, but I also learned so much from them – both on and off the pitch. I feel like I am a well-rounded person and footballer. So I wouldn’t change anything that I’ve done, because otherwise I would not be the player and the man that I am today.”
From afar, what have you made of Roma this season? You played against the team in pre-season…
“That was just a pre-season friendly, one of the games you need in order to build up your fitness for the season ahead. But from that point onwards I began watching Rome. That was also because of the presence of Jose Mourinho and Tiago Pinto at the club, and the rapport I had built with Lorenzo Pellegrini.
“I think Roma has what it takes to achieve its targets. The right thing to do is take things game by game. We need to take on that responsibility and have that winning attitude towards things. You can’t let the external pressure get to you. You need to respect the work journalists do and the questions they have but also be able to put that to one side and focus purely on the path you want to take.”
Why have you chosen the No. 27 as your shirt number?
“It’s always been my number. I feel comfortable with this shirt number.”
What has struck you most about these first few days at Trigoria?
“The quality of the players, there’s a lot of talent in this group. It’s a place where you can work really well, there is an amazing infrastructure here. I’ve been really welcomed well by everyone – so I am grateful for that and want to thank them all.
“We’ve already begun working on the different movements expected out on the pitch. I think with time I will only feel more comfortable and everything will start to fall into place.”
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