Jordan Veretout has described Paulo Fonseca’s role in his move to Roma and Edin Dzeko’s decision to sign a new contract as ‘crucial’.
Veretout found himself in the middle of a protracted tug-of-war between Roma, Milan and Napoli earlier in the summer, but the midfielder ultimately left Fiorentina for the Giallorossi.
“Fonseca told me he’d already seen many of my games, that he liked how I played and wanted me to work under him,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
Jordan Veretout has described Paulo Fonseca’s role in his move to Roma and Edin Dzeko’s decision to sign a new contract as ‘crucial’.
Veretout found himself in the middle of a protracted tug-of-war between Roma, Milan and Napoli earlier in the summer, but the midfielder ultimately left Fiorentina for the Giallorossi.
“Fonseca told me he’d already seen many of my games, that he liked how I played and wanted me to work under him,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He explained his style of play to me. That was crucial. If I’m here it’s also because he’s convinced me and made me feel his confidence.
“It was fun. At home that day, my sister-in-law’s partner was Portuguese. He acted as a translator.
“I chose Roma because they’re a great team and because I realised that with Fonseca, I could grow.
“That carried a weight. When you go to a club like Roma, you have to feel comfortable. The Coach has great character, his teams have always played very well and now he wants to build a strong and competitive team in Rome too.
“We can have a great season, we just have to convince ourselves of this. We have some very good young players and the Dzeko’s renewal was crucial, as were those of Zaniolo, Under and Fazio.
“Edin is a great player. He carries so much weight in our dressing room. Him staying is the best decision he could’ve made.”
The Frenchman had been struggling with an ankle injury, so has he managed to recover?
“I couldn’t wait to get back into the swing of things. I needed some physical rehabilitation, but now I’m ready to play.
“I have to work a bit more to get myself on par with the others, but my ankle is fine. It doesn't hurt anymore and I’m about to get myself back on track.”