Spanish defender Mario Hermoso released his first interview since officially joining Roma on a free transfer on Monday.
In the interview with the club, Hermoso explained his motivations behind the decision to join Roma as a free agent.
“The truth is that it all happened quickly,” said the ex-Atletico Madrid man who had also been linked with Inter Milan, Napoli and Bologna in the past.
“Since this opportunity arose and Roma became interested in me – it was an opportunity of being part of this great club and this great history, obviously I immediately wanted to listen to the club’s proposal and evaluate it.”
“The feedback from the coach about the team was crucial. I wanted to understand how I can help and best represent Roma.”
“It’s a great club with a great history. I perceived a feeling of passion and great enthusiasm from all the fans towards the team and the club. It’s similar to what I experienced at Atletico, it’s like a big family within the city, a very important, magnificent and stupendous city, as witnessed by history and events.”
“Obviously it was a simple life change for me, even thinking about the life I had in Madrid with my family. It was what I wanted on a sporting and competitive level. I estimated that coming to Roma would be much easier, given that I would continue to play at a high level in a very important league and in a city like Rome.”
“I think that in Italy there are many great teams, like in Spain, that participate in the most important European competitions and always face the best teams in Europe. This is a bit of the philosophy that we perceive in Spain when thinking about the Italian league. Furthermore, we are two Latin countries. The passion, the way of experiencing the matches, the duels and the way of life of the fans in my opinion are very similar to Spain and I think it will be very easy for me to adapt.”
“I watched Roma play against Juventus on Sunday and I liked the fact that the team fought. The most important aspect to consider is that the team came close and could have won. If I remember correctly, the last chance yesterday it was that of Angeliño, who shot from outside the area. This reflects a bit the difference between winning and losing, because by building good actions you can get closer to winning.”
“But I also liked the defensive solidity seen yesterday. The team worked very well, thanks also to the various changes. I think of important players for the team, like Paulo Dybala, who came on in the second half. This says a lot about how competitive the team is. The level is high and we will give our best to compete at the highest levels.”
“Obviously, I spoke with De Rossi. I think we’ll get along well. As a footballer he represented the heart of the fans, the desire to fight, the ability to maintain the flame always lit. As a coach it is enough to see him, with his passionate celebrations, his way of experiencing the matches and, above all, his knowledge.”
“Ultimately, what he wants is to build an important team, a solid team. I and the other newcomers, those who have arrived recently, will try to give our best to continue to build Roma’s history.”
“My favorite position? Obviously I have played many games in a three-man defence, but this does not mean that I cannot adapt to any other type of formation or any position that the coach considers ideal for me or in which I can help the team more.”
“Obviously, in the end what I want, if I think about how I see the game and how I can help the team, is to try to do my best, so that the rest of the team, the other teammates, can make the most of my work.”
“Simeone? Obviously he is a person who has been fundamental for me and for my sporting career. He is someone I have great respect for, and I think he respects me a lot too. Of course I always talked a lot with him. I had some difficulty adapting to Atlético, to Simeone’s style of play and to his way of seeing football, but then I succeeded.”
“Obviously, perhaps more so on my part, there is a feeling of strong affection that binds us, given all the time we spent together. He made me grow as a player and as a person, so I will always have a good relationship with Diego. I hope to play against him sooner or later and face each other as rivals.”
“My celebration vs Inter with the Roma flag in the background? I believe that image you represent a bit of everything: the passion, the dedication with which I live and feel football. That flag behind me means that, perhaps, our paths were destined to cross. It symbolizes the desire to still feel alive, to continue having fun and feel that shared passion, that of the fans for Roma and the one that I feel for football, and to experience it together.”
