Andrea Belotti underlined his ambitions and confidence ahead of the coming season, keen to finally show his best for Roma.
The 29-year-old Italian striker joined the Giallorossi on a free transfer last summer and he failed to stand out in his debut season, netting just four goals in 46 total appearances, none of which came in Serie A.
Roma lost Tammy Abraham to a cruciate ligament injury at the end of last season and are now in the market for a new striker. Targets have included Alvaro Morata and Gianluca Scamacca, and talks are now ongoing with Santos for Marcos Leonardo.
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport via Calciomercato.com, Belotti first discussed what went wrong for him last season.
“Last year I missed two training camps, both in summer and in autumn. This lack of training heavily conditioned my season, preparation is essential for my physical condition, to put minutes in my legs and thus be found ready for the matches that matter.”
He touched on his physical condition.
“Now, however, I feel good, the balance of my summer is positive. I needed tough, demanding workouts to reach optimal physical condition as quickly as possible. Pre-season loads are the fuel that will keep you going until the end of the season.”
Belotti discussed his goal in Roma’s friendly win over Farense.
“Scoring is certainly important because us centre forwards have to score, we are judged on that. But it is even more gratifying to know that you have made a contribution to the team.
“Victories are needed, even in August, I’m very happy. And I’m even happier to have experienced an entire retreat without problems.”
He gave his thoughts on the various reports linking Roma to a new striker.
“I don’t think about anything, I just think about playing. I know I’m in a great team and I feel everyone’s trust, the staff, management, coach. This is the thing that counts.
“Honestly, I’m not interested in the rumours. As I said, being at Roma is a source of pride and satisfaction for me. I get on well with everyone and I want to give my best for this shirt.
“Right now, I have to concentrate on one aspect above all: physical condition. If I’m fine, I know I can give something good to the team. It doesn’t bother me that there is talk of a new striker, because I know the rules.
“If there is a need for another centre-forward, the club and the coach will decide it, logically this is not it’s up to me to choose. But with so many games, there will be space.
“Every now and then everyone needs to catch their breath during the course of a season. It happens in all teams and it’s not a problem.”
Finally, Belotti spoke about his future goals and ambitions.
“I’m convinced that it will be a better season for me, because all the injuries I suffered are behind me. Having worked well from day one, the results will also be noticeable in the match.
“We are a strong team, so it seems to me It is natural to think about one obstacle at a time, without setting ourselves too many limits. If we fight meter by meter, we will be able to obtain some satisfaction.”