Houssem Aouar revealed that he is ‘honoured’ to play under Jose Mourinho for Roma and revealed his footballing idols after starring in the team’s first pre-season friendly of the summer.
The Giallorossi defeated Boreale 4-0 on Saturday morning, with goals coming form Aouar, Ola Solbakken, Riccardo Pagano and Stephan El Shaarawy. Roma’s new recruit also registered an assist on his first appearance in a Giallorossi shirt.
Aouar, who joined Roma on a free transfer after the expiry of his contract with Lyon, briefly spoke to the media after the team’s first test of the summer.
“It’s only the first game. It’s an honour for me to wear the Roma shirt and score a goal. I’m still working for this season,” he told the press, reported by Il Corriere dello Sport.
He continued: “It’s an honour for me, the coach is a great coach and can help me a lot. I’m ready for the coach.”
Asked about the impact of 18-year-old goalscorer Pagano, Aouar replied: “He’s a good player, he has great ambition and is an asset to the team.”
The 24-year-old confessed that he hasn’t quite cracked the Italian language, but assured reporters that he is working on it. He also revealed who his main inspirations are on the pitch.
“Italian is still difficult, it’s always difficult for me to speak but I’m a team player. I can play in many positions and I’m inspired by Zidane, Iniesta and Totti. I want to become a great player like them.”