Rome, here’s Ryan. And he immediately snipes Lazio: “That 2-1 can get me off to a good start”

Mathew Ryan has just been announced as Roma’s new goalkeeper and the Australian spoke to the official channels of the Giallorossi club: “My first feelings, clearly, are of great enthusiasm. Obviously, I want to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to be here. I have already felt strong support from the fans and I can’t wait to receive more.”

What do you expect from Serie A?
“So far, during my career, I have played several games in Europe. Obviously it is the first time I play in Italy and, as everyone knows, quite tactical football is played. It is football at the highest level where the best teams fight to win the most important trophies in Europe. I really want to bring my experience”.

How do you imagine an all-yellow and red Olympic stadium?
“That game can help me get off to a good start and I am obviously referring to the 2-1 win against Lazio in the Conference League. I can’t wait to enjoy the stadium and the Roma fans. I have often heard about the incredible atmosphere and I want to experience it first hand soon.”

What kind of goalkeeper does Svilar look like to you?
“Mile was great when he made his debut, then I remember his experience at Benfica. He came here last season and did very well, especially in the second half of the season. I am happy to come here and work with him and to be able to push each other to do our best. I want to help Roma as a team and as a club, I can’t wait to meet my teammates”.

How do you imagine De Rossi as a coach?
“I remember the friendly against Roma in 2015 that I played with Valencia and he was there, I had recently signed for Valencia and it was the first time I played against a club with great tradition and in a match with two clubs with so much football history. When you play against people like Totti, Salah, De Rossi, you know that it will always be a very demanding challenge. It was a great moment that marked the beginning of my career at Valencia. Of course, De Rossi has done very well, since he took over he has achieved great results in Europe with a semi-final achieved. We can say that he is a coach who has a very important career ahead of him, I can’t wait to be here and help the team and him, achieving the objectives”.

What does living in Rome mean to you?
“The history of the club needs no explanation, we know how important it is, it is a club that has achieved many successes in its history. Every person I have spoken to, even long before there was talk of my transfer to Roma, has told me that Rome is a wonderful city to enjoy to the full. I have been lucky enough to come to Rome to play twice, but unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to discover and experience the city. I am really excited to be here and to show everyone who is part of this club what I can give to Roma. I am confident that I can help the team grow and get closer to their goals this season”.

A message for the fans?
“I thank them for their support, when the first rumours started to circulate and I got off the plane, I saw many fans looking for me for a photo. I received many messages on social media and as I said before I heard a lot about their support. I can’t wait to experience it, I want to continue to make the fans proud of this historic club. I will do everything I can to achieve that”.