Zeki Celik explains why he chose Roma above other alternatives and naturally the ‘chance to work with Jose Mourinho’ as well as a lifetime Serie A dream contributed.
The transfer was completed for €7m plus bonuses and a 15 per cent cut of any sell-on fee going to LOSC, signing a contract to June 2026.
It was a protracted negotiation process, as several Premier League clubs were also interested in the right-back.
“Roma are a great club and I was really flattered that they wanted me so strongly,” said the 25-year-old in his press conference.
“It’s an opportunity for me to raise the bar. We all know the success that the coach has had and the chance to work with Mourinho is extra motivation.
“I always dreamed of playing in Serie A. Many clubs from different countries showed interest in me, but I thought Roma was the place where I could be happiest.”
Celik immediately explained why he had been drafted in as an alternative to Rick Karsdorp, who has been criticised for being more of an attacking force than a defensive one on the right flank.
“I consider myself stronger in defence than attack, so that’s the area I need to work on and improve. I can play in a four-man defence or in a five-man midfield, the coach will make those decisions.
“My objective is to be first choice, of course, so I imagine a good rapport of rivalry with Karsdorp, who after all won a trophy last season. The fans will see a great Roma squad with a lot of quality.”
The former Lille player also confirmed that he had spoken to ex-Roma forward Cengiz Under, now at Olympique Marseille and naturally his Turkey international teammate, to ask about life with the Giallorossi.
“It is also thanks to Under that I am here.”