England international Tammy Abraham reveals how Jose Mourinho gets the best out of him, being wowed by the passion of Roma fans and facing Leicester City in the Conference League with ‘confidence.’
He will be back on English soil this Thursday for the UEFA Conference League semi-final against Leicester City, before the second leg at the Stadio Olimpico.
It has been an extraordinary campaign for Abraham, who already matched Rodolfo Volk’s record of 24 goals scored in his debut Giallorossi season.
Abraham told UEFA.com that he is taking Italian lessons every day and hopes to be fluent in a few months, but he’s already learned the lyrics to the Roma club anthem, singing along with the crowd before kick-off.
“Before I came, I spoke to Fikayo Tomori, and he was telling me how passionate Italian fans are. It’s one thing listening to your friend tell you about it; it’s another to be here, experiencing it yourself.
“On the first day I came to the stadium I just said, ‘Wow!’. It’s an unbelievable feeling to step out onto the pitch with the fans roaring your name and roaring the team. They’re amazing supporters.
“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.”
Abraham already said many times how Mourinho convinced him to come by comparing the rain of England with the sun of Rome, but there was so much more to it than that.
“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.”
Now Roma will face off with Leicester City in the Conference League semi-final, having recovered from a first leg defeat to flatten Bodo/Glimt in the quarters.
Abraham notes the Foxes also play “counter-attacking football” in the Mourinho mould, but he believes attitude will make the difference.
“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.”
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Rick 🆚 Tammy
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