Mats Hummels says he grew up watching Francesco Totti and his new coach, Daniele De Rossi at Roma, and ‘can’t wait’ to make his first appearance for the Giallorossi.
The former Germany international joined Roma on a free transfer after the deadline day, signing a contract until June 2025 with an option for a further campaign.
“It’s a big transfer for me. I’m looking forward to playing for this team and this club in front of fans at the stadium,” Hummels said in his first interview with the club.
“As a kid, I grew up watching Roma, especially Francesco Totti and my new coach here. I played against him when I was younger. I am really happy to be here and to be part of this club.
Hummels had been in talks with several other clubs after the end of his Borussia Dortmund contract in June.
“To be honest, I needed some time after last season. Emotionally, leaving Borussia Dortmund after that long and the Champions League Final took me a while to get back on track again.
“I am really curious about Serie A; of course, I know the teams. I played against some of those in the Champions League and Europa League,” he continued.
“I played against [Italy] national team. There were some better and some worse games. I am really curious to experience the stadiums, the teams, the style of play and the differences from what I am used to in the Bundesliga in the last years. It’s nice to be curious again, football-wise, at my age. I am really happy to be here. I think this will work out for everyone pretty good.”
Hummels is already training with the team, but when can he make his first appearance with the Giallorossi?
“I am in a good shape. I worked hard in the summer, but it’s different from playing professional football,” he said.
“It’s hard to tell because I’ve never been in this situation, but the way I feel now, maybe it’s like coming back from summer vacation, so I need some weeks to be 100%. To be really in shape, it could take two or three weeks. I will talk a lot to the coaches, work hard in the gym and the pitch. I want to be ready as soon as possible.”
What are his first thoughts on De Rossi?
“A great guy. I knew him as a player and I had heard so much even before I came here. I watched a lot of Europa League games last year, the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
“The first impression is that he’s a really nice guy, but he wants to see me work like everyone else and this is what he’ll get from me.”
Hummels played for several years in front of the famous Borussia Dortmund Yellow Wall. Is it comparable to Roma’s Curva Sud at the Stadio Olimpico?
“I want to experience that before. I am not a friend of comparison,” Hummels admitted.
“I know the fans are great here, but I will not compare something just because I don’t want to make anyone feel bad. I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere with the fans.”
Roma also signed Mario Hermoso as a free agent and Hummels is confident that the Giallorossi defence will be even stronger going forward.
“I hope so, that’s what I want to be a part of,” he claimed.
“I think they didn’t concede in two games, so this is really good. I hope Mario Hermoso and I can add something to the defence and the attack. I am a defender, but I always take part in the attacks with passes or go by myself, so I want to contribute to both sides of the pitch. But of course, defending is the first thing and not conceding any goal. They already did a good job and we try to keep it this way together.”
Lastly, Hummels spoke about the city of Roma and thanked people around him and club owners for the transfer.
“I’ve been here before. I love the city. It’s huge and cultural,” the 35-year-old concluded.
“I love that there are always people outside. I like to experience this on a daily basis. It’s not the first priority, but it’s a nice place.
“I want to thank so many people: the Family Friedkin, Daniele De Rossi, my dad, my family, and the people I talked to about this. To the fans, thank you for welcoming me on social media and on the streets and at the airport. It was lovely. I really want to give back.”
He also grew up watching Klose @ Lazio!