New Roma centre-back Roger Ibanez described himself as “quick, strong in the air too, and I like to play the ball to feet.”
The defender had joined Atalanta from Fluminense for €3.95m in January 2019, but never really played for the club, still earning a loan with obligation to buy to Roma for €8m plus bonuses.
There had been a bidding war with Bologna, but the 21-year-old ultimately chose to join the Giallorossi.
New Roma centre-back Roger Ibanez described himself as “quick, strong in the air too, and I like to play the ball to feet.”
The defender had joined Atalanta from Fluminense for €3.95m in January 2019, but never really played for the club, still earning a loan with obligation to buy to Roma for €8m plus bonuses.
There had been a bidding war with Bologna, but the 21-year-old ultimately chose to join the Giallorossi.
“I studied up on the history of the club before signing and there are so many champions of the past,” said Ibanez in his press conference.
“I know there is a lot of competition for places, but I can make some space for myself, both from now until June and into next season.
“I am quick and strong in the air too. I like to play the ball to feet. All these are words, of course, I want to show what I can do on the pitch.”
Curiously, Roma are up against his old club Atalanta on Saturday in a showdown for fourth place. Is there any advice Ibanez can give to coach Paulo Fonseca?
“I was there for a year, so I know the team well. I haven’t had a chance to talk about it to the coach, but I did agree with the things he showed us in our tactical training session.
“We know it’s going to be difficult, as it’s a head-to-head for position, and we are preparing in the best way.”