Rui Patricio explains why he was ‘desperate’ to join Roma after Wolverhampton Wanderers and it’s a ‘dream’ to work with Jose Mourinho.
The goalkeeper was signed from Wolves for €11.5m plus performance-related bonuses.
“I’m delighted to be here. It’s a chance for me to develop, learn and improve and to come to a club where I can compete for silverware,” the Portugal international told Roma TV.
“Obviously I was really pleased when I heard Roma were interested. I was desperate to come here because I definitely wanted a new challenge. I had three great years at Wolves, where I was very happy, and I can only thank them because they gave me the chance to play in the Premier League.
“I’ll never forget Wolverhampton because it’s a family club and I love that – but Roma coming in represented a chance to fight for trophies and to join a big club, so I’m really excited. I want to do my best, help the team and help the club to win things.
“It’s also a huge opportunity to play in another league and experience what Serie A is all about. I’ve played in the Portuguese league, in the Premier League and now I have the chance to play in Serie A, which is a big draw for me and for all players.”
Mourinho personally requested Rui Patricio to be his new goalkeeper at the Stadio Olimpico.
“This is the first time I’ve worked with him, but he’s certainly one of the best in the world. It’s a dream for any player to work with him and to be coached by him.
“That was definitely one of the other draws for me, as well as coming to a big club to win silverware and focus on competing for trophies. Working with Mourinho is definitely a huge plus in terms of developing, working hard and improving, so it’s exciting.”