Federico Fazio said Roma represent “the most important club of my career” and discussed how his past influenced his style.
The centre-back is considered the key figure in the Giallorossi back line right now, as confirmed by Coach Luciano Spalletti, and sat down with Roma TV to go over his career.
“It all started in the youth academy of Ferro Carril Oeste and I didn’t change club again until the move to Sevilla. I was already taller than the other kids in my age group,” said the Argentine.
Federico Fazio said Roma represent “the most important club of my career” and discussed how his past influenced his style.
The centre-back is considered the key figure in the Giallorossi back line right now, as confirmed by Coach Luciano Spalletti, and sat down with Roma TV to go over his career.
“It all started in the youth academy of Ferro Carril Oeste and I didn’t change club again until the move to Sevilla. I was already taller than the other kids in my age group,” said the Argentine.
“I wasn’t always a defender, as at the start I was a striker for three or four years, then I moved to midfield. A year before stepping up to the senior squad, I became a centre-back and never moved again.
“Playing in defence meant completely changing my approach, but at the end of the day I realised it was the right job for me. I became a starter and soon after received a call-up for the Under-20 national team.
“In December 2006 I got the first call from Sevilla. It’s always sad to leave home and it was even worse for my mother and my family being so far away.
“It was a big difference between football in Argentina and Spain, so it took six months to get used to that tempo. A strong memory of that time was certainly the 5-3 Spanish Supercup win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu: what a game!
“Unfortunately we lost to Milan in the European Supercup, but it was still an important step in my career.
“Last summer I received a call from Roma and in two weeks we finalised the deal by signing the contract. I didn’t even need to think about it: this was a great opportunity for me.
“I played and won with Sevilla for many years, including the best period in the club’s history, but signing for Roma meant joining the most important club of my career.
“I’ve always loved Italian football and had a strong bond with Italy, perhaps because my grandfather was from here. In the World Cup if Argentina went out, I’d always support the Azzurri instead.
“Serie A is not dissimilar to the Spanish Liga. The English Premier League (for Tottenham Hotspur) is very different, as you always play one-on-one, quick and vertical passes, running back and forth without even thinking about possession.
“Instead, in Italy every team considers things tactically, even more so than Spain, so I am very happy.”