Alessandro Florenzi admits he “turned down” offers in order to stay with Roma and the knee injury “changed me as a man.”
The last few months have been very tense for the wing-back, who suffered serious knee injuries and was heavily linked with a move away before signing a new contract.
“The new contract was an important step for my career. It’s what I wanted and what Roma wanted. Everyone knows I had offers that I turned down, but it was pleasing to receive them, as it means I did my job well.
Alessandro Florenzi admits he “turned down” offers in order to stay with Roma and the knee injury “changed me as a man.”
The last few months have been very tense for the wing-back, who suffered serious knee injuries and was heavily linked with a move away before signing a new contract.
“The new contract was an important step for my career. It’s what I wanted and what Roma wanted. Everyone knows I had offers that I turned down, but it was pleasing to receive them, as it means I did my job well.
“I have changed as a man, as the injury made me grow, think and see life in a different way,” he told the Roma-Chievo match program.
“I was able to go back to what I love. There kids out there who haven’t been as fortunate, who perhaps saw their careers stopped by heart problems or other situations.
“When I felt that pain again, I thought back to the rehabilitation, the post-operation process, my loved ones and my wife who I was unable to help with the kids as much as I’d like. They were nasty thoughts, but I was fortunate not to have suffered anything serious again.
“I am feeling better now and hopefully I’ll be available for this weekend against Chievo.”
After that, the Champions League begins and Roma open their campaign away to Real Madrid.
“The best way to approach such an important game is to first focus on Chievo. We have to take it one match at a time, get a good victory in Serie A and then give our all against Real Madrid.
“It won’t be easy to repeat last season’s European run, but we’ll do our best. The results so far this season haven’t given us what we want, but realised what we need to work on and what to build on.”