CLEMENT GRENIER MEETS THE MEDIA
On Friday midfielder Clement Grenier was formally presented to the assembled media at the club's training centre in Trigoria. See what the France international had to say when he faced questions from the reporters.
What have you made of your first week in Rome?
"It's gone well. I was lucky to receive a very warm welcome from the players and staff. I've got to know my team-mates. I'm pleased to be here in Rome and that the club believes in me."
To what extent have injuries stalled your progress?
"I've had two serious injuries - one three years ago and the other six months later which prevented me from going to the 2014 Brazil World Cup - but that's all in the past now. Whilst they have slowed my progress, on the other hand they helped me to become mentally tougher. I don't have any fitness concerns now - everything's going well - and I hope to no longer suffer injuries like those. That said, I believe they're part and parcel of being a professional footballer. They helped me to work harder to become even stronger."
Why did you fall out of favour with the coach during that time?
"It was definitely linked to the injuries which had an impact on me in the past. Once I got over my injury concerns, I came back in and there was lots of competition for places in midfield. The coach picked his team and I was no longer a part of his plans. I kept training hard, as I wanted to earn another opportunity, and - as I've said - I came through that experience as a stronger person. I've never fully grasped why I was no longer in Lyon's plans. Either way, I kept working hard to be ready for the first opportunity that came my way - and that turned out to be at Roma. I want to prove that Lyon were wrong to let me go and that Roma are right to back me. I'm disappointed that my time at Lyon ended on a sour note - with little playing time - but it remains a big chapter in my career as a whole."
When did the move to Roma first come about?
"Roma's desire to sign me was important. Maybe Lyon wanted to let me go too. I wanted to come here and I'm lucky to have signed for one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. Thanks to the willingness of both parties, we were able to swiftly agree a deal which meant I could move quickly."
What's your take on Serie A TIM and Juventus?
"I believe the Italian league is competitive and very tactical. However, physicality and technical ability are important too. Juventus are a side that have won a series of league titles over the last few years but I don't believe Roma are far off the Bianconeri in terms of ability and I hope we can overhaul them. This is a team that deserves to win trophies for the fans. Roma are a great team - I've already seen in the space of a few training sessions that this side has everything - and we have terrific potential, on a par with Juventus. We can compete with them, I'm sure of that, because we have one of the best teams in the league."
Did you speak to [Miralem] Pjanic before joining Roma?
"I spoke to Pjanic and Mapou [Yanga-Mbiwa], who was a team-mate of mine at Lyon. I knew I was signing for a big club and they simply confirmed that. They both said they had a wonderful time in Rome and they were very complimentary about the squad, coach and city and they convinced me to move here. Mapou also talked to me about the derby - just what a big game it is - and he was lucky enough to score in that fixture and that meant a lot to him."
It appears [Luciano] Spalletti is set to pick you as a deep-lying playmaker. Does that suit you? Who's better a free-kick taker, you or Pjanic?
"I've already had the chance to chat to the coach about my playing style and where I'm best suited. I'm versatile, as I've played everywhere in the middle of the park. I want to show what I can do in this team, be it in front of the defence, in midfield or behind the strikers. That's up to the coach to decide. I like taking free-kicks and I was lucky to have a great mentor in the shape of Juninho [Pernambucano] but there are some excellent dead-ball specialists here at Roma, [Francesco] Totti first and foremost."
You won't be able to feature in the Europa League this season. Is joining Roma the pinnacle of your career or can this move be a springboard?
"Sure, I can't play in the Europa League but Roma are still competing on three fronts. It's up to me to give 100% in training to earn a chance in the side. My aim is to play as many matches as possible to prove to the coach and team that I can do my bit. There are lots of games to play and I hope Roma can go as far as possible in every competition and secure our targets. Roma are a great club and this will give me a chance to improve. I'm 26 and this is the perfect chance to keep improving. I want to stay here for a long time and return to the French national team set-up. I can achieve that by being at a great club like Roma, as they will give me the opportunity. I will have to give 100% commitment both in training and matches."
Which team-mate has impressed you the most in your first few training sessions? Give us your thoughts on Francesco Totti:
"The whole team has impressed me, as has the intensity with which they train. This is a side with some top stars - experienced players like [Daniele] De Rossi and Totti. It's an honour to play alongside them."
What's your take on Totti?
"Totti has played for more than 20 years and he's a legend for Roma and the Italian national team. Playing alongside him is a dream come true. I want to learn and I'll take on board his advice so I can improve."
(Photo LaPresse)
