Pau Lopez said Roma represented a “step up” in his career and it was worth taking a pay cut, even if he is being worked hard by his new coach Paulo Fonseca. 

The 24-year-old goalkeeper is currently on international duty with Spain, but said the €23m move from Real Betis to Roma has presented him with a tougher daily routine at the training ground.

“Perhaps we train harder in Italy,” he told AS about his new life in the Italian capital. “In Rome I have a Portuguese coach, Paulo Fonseca, who works hard.”

Pau Lopez said Roma represented a “step up” in his career and it was worth taking a pay cut, even if he is being worked hard by his new coach Paulo Fonseca. 

The 24-year-old goalkeeper is currently on international duty with Spain, but said the €23m move from Real Betis to Roma has presented him with a tougher daily routine at the training ground.

“Perhaps we train harder in Italy,” he told AS about his new life in the Italian capital. “In Rome I have a Portuguese coach, Paulo Fonseca, who works hard.”

He took a cut in his salary to complete the move to Italy, but still feels the transfer had presented “a step up” in his career, after previous spells at Espanyol and Tottenham.

“I did it because I wanted to come to Italy,” he admitted. “I realised it was the best thing for my career. I was happy at Betis and my family was doing well in Seville, but I feel going to Rome was a step up for me.”

His experience from England and Spain has served him well as he has been able to claim the gloves as an ever-present for the Giallorossi, but admitted he might be a little bit homesick already.

“I do miss playing in La Liga,” he added. “But I’m really happy in Rome.

“I played in the Premier League, La Liga and now in Serie A. They are three championships with very distinct qualities. La Liga has become tighter lately and it’s good for the spectators.

“In Italy there are many competitive teams and in the Premier League the level is very high. They are three of the best championships in Europe.”

Pau Lopez is hoping he might get the nod ahead of the Premier League pair David de Gea and Kepa Arrizabalaga to face Malta in the Euro 2020 qualifiers on Friday, before Spain welcome Romania on Monday.

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