Pablo Daniel Osvaldo is “always proud” to be called by Italy and explained “Roma wanted me to go” to Southampton.

The striker spoke to Sky Sport Italia from the Azzurri training camp in Turin ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic.

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo is “always proud” to be called by Italy and explained “Roma wanted me to go” to Southampton.

The striker spoke to Sky Sport Italia from the Azzurri training camp in Turin ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic.

“I am always proud to be here and happy the Coach has faith in me. I am happy now, as I decided to go to England with a club that gave me good sensations,” said Osvaldo.

“I found a good group of players and I am relaxed, which is the important thing. I wanted to try an experience abroad, Southampton wanted me and so I decided they were the best option for me.

“I am really happy. I need to adapt to their style of football, which will take a little time, but I have faith.”

Osvaldo’s last months at Roma were extremely tense amid rows with Coaches, teammates, directors and above all a terrible rapport with fans.

“Was I in exile? No, I didn’t feel that way. I decided to leave along with the club, who made it clear they wanted me to go.

“What do I say to the fans? The normal fans always showed affection for me. Then there are those who don’t experience love the right way and fortunately they are in the minority.

“There is an element of the fans who love football the wrong way and I could not stay in Rome with people writing nasty messages outside my house. It’s not normal and nothing gets done about it, to the point where people considered it normal.”

Osvaldo’s rapport with the club deteriorated beyond repair after he insulted then-Coach Aurelio Andreazzoli following the Coppa Italia Final defeat to Lazio.

“I was angry after the Coppa Italia and wanted to smash everything up. I didn’t attend the medal ceremony because I didn’t notice it was happening. That was an ugly gesture and it was not my intention to snub the ceremony.

“Some people think I am bad, but I say what I think and I respect those who respect me.”

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