Conference LeagueInterviews

Tammy Abraham buzzing for England return ahead of Leicester showdown

John Solano
I

Roma attacker Tammy Abraham gave an extensive interview as he prepares to face a Premier League side for the first time as a member of the Giallorossi.

The capital club face-off against Leicester City tomorrow evening in the first leg of their Conference League semifinal tie—the former Chelsea man confident his team is optimistic entering the affair.

“We’re going in strong, we’re going in with belief and confidence. They play similarly to us in a way,” he told UEFA.com.

“They play counterattacking football. They’ve got very fast players who like to run. They’ve got good midfielders who like to find the attackers as well. We have to go into the game full of confidence. On our day, with confidence, we can beat anyone. For us, it’s just about believing in ourselves.”

“I’m going back to England. This is my game to show what I’ve come away to Italy to learn. I’m excited! I think my whole family will come.”

The Englishman enters the semifinals as joint top scorer of the competition, with 8 goals to his name in ten matches.

“I thought I was the top scorer, not joint!” he joked.

“It’s a massive competition, a new competition and one a lot of teams will look to be in in the future. For me to be scoring goals and to be joint-top goalscorer is an honor.”

“I should have scored more. It’s been a good journey for us, though. We did have that slip-up against Bodø/Glimt, where we lost by a big margin, but we didn’t let that distract us. We came back hungrier and won the most important of our four meetings.”

Abraham also weighed in on what life in Rome has been like since joining from Chelsea last summer for €40 million.

Stating, “The first words Mourinho said to me were: ‘Would you rather stay in rainy England or come to the sun in Rome?’ We both laughed but he then said, ‘No, seriously.'”

“I’ve always looked at him as a father figure, and he told me that he believes it’s the best place for me right now; to come and make a mark on Italian football, get your name around the world – not just in England. For me, that was enough.”

He continued, “He knows when my mind is in the game and when I’m a little bit asleep. He really knows how to drive the team. He knows how to inspire the team to make them hungry, to want more.”

“He’s a breath of fresh air around the place. When we need to wake up, he’s there to drive us. When we’re playing well, he tells us but he still wants more. For a coach, from a player, you can’t ask for anymore.”

He was also asked about the city itself and what it’s been like to experience a new language and culture.

“I love it! It’s a life experience that you’ll never forget and when I had the option to come here, it was a dream come true: I wanted to experience something new,” he admitted.

“Of course, I grew up in England (and I’ve been there) my whole life, so it’s nice to come and try something new, learn about a different culture. I’m enjoying life in Rome, seeing the history of the city and enjoying the food. I’m loving every minute.”

Adding, “From the first day I arrived, I fell in love with Roma, with the team, with the fans—I fell in love. They have made me feel like family from the off.”

“Arriving at the airport and seeing fans there to welcome me was the first stepping stone. It’s been a wonderful journey. Hopefully, we can lift the Europa Conference League trophy for them, and build the love even more.”

“I’ve gone to see the Colosseum – I heard so many stories about it as a kid. Now I’m living here, I’ve been a couple of times and I drive past it every day. The language is going well, too.”

“When I first came, I didn’t understand a word. But I’m settling in well, taking lessons every day and I’m learning. I’m getting there. Hopefully, in a couple of months, I’ll be fluent.”

Match Center

MatchDay 30
1 Apr 17:00
Lecce
LEC
Roma