Newly acquired striker Nikola Kalinic was unveiled today by Roma. The Croatian arrived in Rome a day before the closing of the transfer window to replace the outgoing Patrik Schick. These are his words:
Can you tell us a little about the negotiations with Roma? What does it mean for you to return to the Italian league?
Good morning. I am very happy to be here, Roma is a great team, a great club with a great history. For me, it’s a new adventure and I hope to do well.
What are your personal and team objectives?
Let’s see – well first, I don’t want to be injured because in the last two seasons I haven’t played much and it’s important this year that I play more. As for the team, we will take it match by match, it does not mean that we will not win the Europa League, but Roma as a club must play in the Champions League. Let’s take it match by match and then see.
Your name was linked to Roma all of August until the last day. Was there fear the operation would fall apart?
Yes, it was the very last day that it was completed but luck has it that I’m here now. I am very happy to be here.
Dzeko plays an average of 45 games per season. Did this weigh on your choice?
We’ll see, he always plays and is a great striker. We’ll see what the manager does, perhaps he’d like to play with two striker. I’ve talked to Dzeko a lot recently, he convinced me to come too.
Do you see similarities between Sousa and Fonseca? How can you improve?
I know Fonseca well, he worked at Shakhtar while I was also in Ukraine. Their style of play is very similar, with the ball and possession. I like to play like this.
