Stephan El Shaarawy explained his tactical preferences, why Roma were first choice and Serie A is “much more difficult” than Ligue 1.
The Italy international answered fan questions on the official Roma website ahead of Sunday’s Derby della Capitale.
“I have always preferred starting out wide left, so I can cut in to shoot, but I played many times as a striker or a trequartista. It’s the role I prefer.
Stephan El Shaarawy explained his tactical preferences, why Roma were first choice and Serie A is “much more difficult” than Ligue 1.
The Italy international answered fan questions on the official Roma website ahead of Sunday’s Derby della Capitale.
“I have always preferred starting out wide left, so I can cut in to shoot, but I played many times as a striker or a trequartista. It’s the role I prefer.
“My biggest dream as a child was to become a Serie A player and I made that come true, albeit with a lot of effort and struggle.
“Now that I am here, my dream is to win something with the club and my national team, such as the Euros and Champions League.
“I have never lost the strength to keep going. I had some difficult moments in my career, but never gave up, because football is my passion and I always demand something more from myself.
“Everyone needs to have an objective in their career and never stop believing in it. I advise anyone who wants to get into this sport to focus on passion and humility, as that is one of the main things a player must retain, no matter how successful.”
El Shaarawy arrived from Milan, via Monaco, in the January transfer window and made an immediate impact.
“It was a surprise when Roma called, but a very positive one. Since the window opened Roma were my first choice and I was very happy speaking to (director Walter) Sabatini, while I immediately felt the faith the Coach had in me.
“I came here to provide a turning point to my career. It’s a positive moment, but I have to continue like this, as there’s a long road ahead.
“In physical terms Ligue 1 is much more intense, whereas Serie A is more tactical and I have to say it is much more difficult to play in Serie A, as the spaces are reduced and you need to create space for yourself to hurt the opposition.
“I settled in very quickly to the locker room, as it was a happy environment. I already knew Alessandro Florenzi and Daniele De Rossi from the Italy squad, but they are all lovely guys.
“When you play alongside players with such great technique, it becomes easier. Mohamed Salah and Diego Perotti are very quick and technically gifted, we get along well and I hope we can continue to create many goals and assists together.
“Salah is a really nice guy and a great player, so we get along on and off the field. We talked about Egypt a couple of times when we celebrated with the triangle symbol, a playful way of representing the pyramids. After that goal against Fiorentina I suggested it and he smiled, so we did it together. It wasn’t planned.
“I learn so much from players like De Rossi and Francesco Totti. They made Roma history, are two genuine leaders and it’s a real pleasure to know them as people and players, as they have so much to teach.”
The Little Pharaoh also revealed he is trying to learn Arabic, having known some as a child from his Egyptian father, and “mainly listens to American rap and hip-hop music.
“Will I ever cut my hair? I started with this style many years ago and I like it. I’ve trimmed it a bit, but this is one of my main characteristics and I don’t want to get rid of it.
“My father has been the main figure in my life, he was always close and followed me everywhere. All I have become, I owe to him, as he made so many sacrifices and even changed his work to stay close to me. Even before I started playing at a club, he’d take me to the local park and teach me to play. He gave me the passion for football.”