Badelj: ‘Genoa convinced me’

Milan Badelj hopes Genoa will have ‘a calmer season than in recent years’ and felt coach Rolando Maran ‘really wanted’ to have him at the Marassi.

The Grifoni started with an emphatic 4-1 win against newly promoted Crotone and Badelj hopes the Rossoblu, who have finished 17th in two consecutive Serie A seasons, will have a less bumpy ride this term.

The 31-year-old moved from Lazio this month, after having spent last term on loan with Fiorentina.

Milan Badelj hopes Genoa will have ‘a calmer season than in recent years’ and felt coach Rolando Maran ‘really wanted’ to have him at the Marassi.

The Grifoni started with an emphatic 4-1 win against newly promoted Crotone and Badelj hopes the Rossoblu, who have finished 17th in two consecutive Serie A seasons, will have a less bumpy ride this term.

The 31-year-old moved from Lazio this month, after having spent last term on loan with Fiorentina.

“I was convinced by many things,” Badelj said at a press conference. “The coach wanted me from the start, as did the sporting director [Daniele] Faggiano. They really wanted me here.”

“This is a historic place with a great fan base that has always given me the feeling of experiencing something special when you enter the Marassi.

“I saw a truly united group with great values. This is a basis on which one can work. I hope it will be a calmer season than in recent years.”