Tickets
Shop
On Thursday 14 May the former Roma goalkeeper – who made 61 appearances for the club – met with coach Gian Piero Gasperini and the first-team players, and warmly embraced his future successor between the sticks, Mile Svilar.
The first time you stepped through the gates of the Fulvio Bernardini was in 2006, twenty years ago. Do you remember the occasion?
“Yes, I remember it very well. At the time, Roma were in the market for a goalkeeper with my characteristics. I was recommended by Antonio Carlos Zago, with whom I’d played at both Santos and Juventude. I came over in the spring of 2006 for a trial, when the season was almost over. The trial went well, and I went on to become part of [Luciano] Spalletti's squad.”
However, you had to wait three years to make your debut, which eventually came in Roma’s home league match against Juventus in 2009.
“I got a chance, and I seized it. We lost the first match of the season against [Gian Piero] Gasperini's Genoa, but another goalkeeper played that match (Artur, ed.). When it came to the second matchday [Luciano] Spalletti chose to start me. Then [Claudio] Ranieri came in, and we had the season that you all remember.”
You played a pivotal role in many matches, including in the two derbies that campaign. You were a key figure in both games, both in the first meeting, pulling off a save from an effort by Stefano Mauri and in the second, keeping out a Sergio Floccari spot kick. Which of the two was the more difficult save to make?
“The one on Mauri was pure instinct – it came after [Mauro] Zarate hit the post. Given how the match was going, given that we were losing, and [Francesco] Totti and [Daniele] De Rossi had also come off at half-time, saving that penalty was probably more difficult. After that save we managed to make a breakthrough in the game. [Mirko] Vucinic scored a brace that got us the three points. We went on to stay top of the league for another week.”
How are you feeling ahead of the upcoming derby?
“It reminds me a bit of that 2010 match. This time around the Scudetto isn't at stake, but a Champions League spot is, which is still an important objective. Roma will be facing a side which doesn’t have much left to play for in Serie A, especially after having lost the Coppa Italia final. That being said, it's still a derby, and motivation will be extremely high in any case.”
As a Brazilian, has the season Wesley has had surprised you?
“Not really. He’s surrounded by great players and Rome is a good place to live, which makes it easier for young players from other parts of the world to bed in. He was a top player at Flamengo, but under [Gian Piero] Gasperini he’s done even better, featuring in more positions and developing tactically. Now he's also a highly regarded part of [Carlo] Ancelotti's Brazilian national team.”
As a goalkeeper, what do you particularly appreciate about Mile Svilar?
“He's a serious, focused, balanced and strong guy. On the pitch his concentration levels never waiver, and I've told him as much privately - we've exchanged a few messages on Instagram. He's undoubtedly one of the best players in Serie A.”
What do you make of Roma’s season so far?
“It's been an excellent campaign, and it can end even better. I’m a big fan of the coach - from a technical standpoint what he’s doing is nothing new to us because he worked wonders at Atalanta. Having spoken to him this week I found out that he's a friendly and nice person. I hadn’t met him before and it was a joy to do so.”
As someone who spent a long time at the club, how much has the Trigoria training centre changed over the years?
“It’s totally different. Nowadays it's truly a cutting-edge training centre. The pitches are always in fantastic condition and the facilities are truly top-notch. It has everything a professional footballer needs at a top-level club.”
Thanks, Julio.
“Thanks, to everyone here. Forza Roma – always.”
.
..
