Kostas Manolas has been unveiled as a Roma player, and has insisted that the capital was always his first choice.
The Greek centre back was heavily linked with several clubs all over Europe this summer.
Kostas Manolas has been unveiled as a Roma player, and has insisted that the capital was always his first choice.
The Greek centre back was heavily linked with several clubs all over Europe this summer.
Juventus” data-scaytid=”4″>Juventus and Arsenal were both thought to be potential destinations, but the 23-year-old has claimed that Rudi Garcia’s side was always where he wanted to land.
“I wanted to come to Roma. Lots of people told me good things. Their advice and my decision is what brought me here,” he told a Press conference.
“Will I play? That's up to Garcia. I'm ready, not just 100 per cent, but 120 per cent.
“I had offers from several big clubs, including Juve. But it was my decision to come here to Roma.
“I know the club has great expectations and I feel up to it. I will work hard so I don't let the club down.
“Roma was the best choice for me. I don't know if I'll start – I'll give my all to earn a starting berth.”
The former Olimpiacos man is thought to be a direct replacement for Mehdi Benatia, who has joined Bayern Munich.
But Kostas hopes that fans will soon forget about the Morocco international, and has admitted that he wants silverware during his time at Stadio Olimpico.
“Benatia is a brilliant player. But he's the past, I'm the present"
“How fit do I feel? I'm 100 per cent. I had a full pre-season and played three friendlies. I instantly felt a part of one big family at Trigoria. Torosidis is helping me out a lot.
“The club has big goals. I want to win the Scudetto, as does the whole squad. We can also go far in the Champions League.”