Roma attacker Carles Pèrez was interviewed today by Mundo Deportivo and discussed his move last month from Barcelona to the Giallorossi. Here’s what the youngster had to say:
Were you able to sleep after the game with Gent? it was your debut as a starter and you scored.
Yes, I was (laughs). It was something important for me. I haven’t thought about it at all. I was eager and very confident, but I wasn’t sure I could score. I am very happy to be able to help the team achieve success after a few losses.
How did the transition from Barcelona to Rome go?
Super well. I am a humble player who wants to work. I don’t have to be or feel above anyone. In a team, we are all the same and I came with humility. I’m here to help the team.
Don’t you feel the pressure?
No. I thank the club for choosing me. Yes, something changes because at Barça I had a different role, but my only goal is always to work. I hope to grab many assists and goals for the team.
How did your farewell at Barcelona go?
Its tough to explain — I don’t even know what happened. They didn’t give me the explanations i deserved, at least the realistic ones. The coach told me he didn’t count on me because he had other players ahead of me. But I was told 10 days before the transfer window closed. But Barça is my past now, my present is in Rome and I want to be an important player for them.
There were those who came before you, but now they have purchased Braithwaite from the Leganés who plays in a role similar to yours.
Sometimes the right decisions are made and other times not. I think about what Cucurella said. At Barça, you always want to win, but there is no more patience with young players. But I don’t want to go into this very much. In the end, I am grateful to Barcelona for all that it has given me. Everything I know I learned there and thanks to them, I was able to join a great club like Roma. Ultimately I think they got it wrong, but I’m still grateful to them.
It hurts?
I am a boy who has given everything for Barça since my childhood. My dream was to reach the first team — I joined and then it vanished. They talk a lot about the youth sector but in the end, they show the opposite. Anyway, I don’t have a bad view of Barça, I’m grateful to them, but I didn’t like the way some things happened. That’s all.
Are you thinking of returning to Barcelona one day?
I haven’t thought about it since I left. Barça is the past and I am focusing on Roma, although I don’t know what will happen in the future.
Why did you choose Roma?
I had many offers from Germany, Italy, Spain. The manager called me and I spoke to him. When the manager calls you, it’s because he trusts you. He convinced me after everything he told me. I looked at the club, the team, the city — and it was all good to me. I was not wrong and I am happy to be here.
What is your goal in Rome?
To grow as a player. The Spanish league is different and after my time at Barça, I can improve in many ways here. I want to become an important player here and even more-so after what I experienced with the fans after the goal. I was speechless.
