Juan Jesus will “prove every day why I came to Roma” and admits “it’s difficult to play for Inter, as in general the team didn’t work.”
The centre-back completed his transfer this week, moving on loan for €2m with an option to buy for €8m once certain conditions are met.
“I have to thank Roma for giving me this opportunity and must prove every day why I came here,” said the 25-year-old in his Press conference.
Juan Jesus will “prove every day why I came to Roma” and admits “it’s difficult to play for Inter, as in general the team didn’t work.”
The centre-back completed his transfer this week, moving on loan for €2m with an option to buy for €8m once certain conditions are met.
“I have to thank Roma for giving me this opportunity and must prove every day why I came here,” said the 25-year-old in his Press conference.
“I must help the side achieve its objectives, starting from the Champions League play-off. Luciano Spalletti asked me what my preferred position was and I said centre-left, but I perform in many different roles.
“My best season was with Walter Mazzarri’s Inter in a three-man defence. I do generally prefer four at the back, though. I need to improve in keeping the line, but Spalletti is helping me a great deal.”
Has he already noticed a difference between Spalletti’s approach and that of Roberto Mancini?
“They are two different methods. Here we play more with the ball, making one or two touches. You can tell the intensity too. The Coach makes his decisions, I don’t judge them, but I thank Mancini anyway for all he did for me.
“Inter are the past and were important for being my first European club, but I have to build from Roma now, listen to Spalletti and work hard.
“Roma are certainly a tough side to face and they beat my Inter 3-0 at San Siro once, so if we stick together then we can go far.”
He picked the Number 3 jersey and it was pointed out he will now be known as Jesus rather than Juan Jesus. He thanked Roma legends Juan and Aldair for their praise.
“Juan was always my idol and I spoke to him a little bit, while I was too young to really appreciate Aldair at the time. If I can do just 70 per cent of what they did at Roma, I’ll be happy.
“Before there was the excuse that I was very young, but now I am 25 and need to make that step up in quality. I have to improve on what I’m missing, as in football you learn something new every day.
“I did struggle a little with the fact it’s hard to play for Inter, especially at San Siro, but I learned from that experience. It’s difficult to play for Inter, as when things don’t go well, the people want to find someone to blame.
“I think in general the team didn’t work and, it’s bad to say, that’s a bit of an Inter thing. Here I have new objectives, including personal targets, and am certainly happy. I am sure I’ll do well here.
“I hope to play many years here and become a symbol of Roma just like Nicolas Burdisso was.”