MANCINI'S FIRST INTERVIEW: "I WANT TO MAKE THE FANS PROUD"
On Wednesday afternoon Gianluca Mancini became the club's fourth signing of the summer so far, completing his move from Atalanta. The 23-year-old sat down with Roma TV to discuss the switch to the Giallorossi - read everything he had to say below.
How does it feel to be an AS Roma player?
“Joining a prestigious club like Roma is a proud moment for me, and the culmination of all the hard work put in ever since I first started to play football. I cannot wait to get started on this new adventure. I’m a very happy man”.
How did the transfer unfold?
"It was a long process. In January there were some discussions but nothing concrete – but then in June the talks moved forward. I wanted to come here, because Roma is a big club. In the end the negotiations all ended well.”
You have given up the chance to play in the Champions League with Atalanta to come here…
“It’s not a case of leaving Atalanta, it’s more that Roma are a big club and it is difficult to turn down a call from them. I had two important years in Bergamo, we managed to qualify for the Champions League – but Roma is a big opportunity that doesn’t come around often and I wanted to take it now and get started on this new adventure.”
Have you spoken to the coach?
“Yes, we spoke about a few different things but I’ll keep that to myself for now. But I was impressed by him, it’s not every day that you get a call from a coach as successful as him. So I can only say that I can’t wait to get started.”
Last season you scored six goals – not bad for a defender!
“When a defender scores it helps out the team even more - even if my primary job is to help my teammates not to concede them. If you do that first and then can chip in with a few goals as well, that’s great.”
You are clearly good in the air, but equally you move well across the ground and can drive forward with the ball: what is the most important aspect of your game?
“I have those qualities, yes. Maybe there were even more obvious at Atalanta with the way Gasperini wanted to play; pushing high up the pitch. But I can still improve a lot, in those areas and many others too.”
(Photo Getty Images)
