Italian international Pablo Daniel Osvaldo has explained the reasons why he decided to leave Roma for Southampton.
The striker completed his move to the Premiership last night after an initial €15.1m fee was agreed between both clubs.
“A part of the Roma support behaved badly towards me for no precise reason,” stated the striker on Monday.
Italian international Pablo Daniel Osvaldo has explained the reasons why he decided to leave Roma for Southampton.
The striker completed his move to the Premiership last night after an initial €15.1m fee was agreed between both clubs.
“A part of the Roma support behaved badly towards me for no precise reason,” stated the striker on Monday.
“Every time that I stepped on to the pitch for Roma in the last two years I gave my all, but some supporters didn’t act correctly towards me – but I wasn’t the only one.
“Leaving Roma for Southampton wasn't difficult, not at all. In fact, from the moment I signed, I was relieved…
“It's what I really wanted for me and my career and my girlfriend. We've been looking for houses for three months,” he smiled. “It wasn't a difficult decision.
“For someone who comes from Argentina and plays for Italy, one thing that strikes me here is the respect for the players from the fans.
“They respect that you're trying even if you make mistakes. Overall, the technical level of the League is amazing, it's dynamic.
“It's not boring on TV which can happen in other Leagues.”
In joining the Saints, Osvaldo will be re-united with his former Coach at Espanyol – Mauricio Pochettino.
“He's magnificent,” the former Fiorentina player added. “It's fantastic, great to work with him.
“He is a great motivator and for me it's very important to work with people who appreciate and respect how I work. For many years people haven't appreciated that.
“I know him well and how he sets out his teams. The season I had at Espanyol was my best as a footballer. In a personal sense, I think I did well playing under him.
“I want to repeat that and improve it. I'm confident that will happen and I can't wait to start.”
Osvaldo had also been linked with possible moves to Inter and Tottenham.
“Southampton are the club that showed the most interest in me,” he added. “I always wanted to play in the Premier League. I've always been a massive fan, even before I was in Italy. It was always a dream.”