Leonardo Spinazzola insists he has no regrets at leaving Juventus for Roma, as Paulo Fonseca’s football is “attractive to watch and fun to play in.”
The versatile full-back made the move in exchange for cash plus Luca Pellegrini and is hoping for more playing time than he got in Turin.
“Roma have always been a great club with excellent players, while the atmosphere with the fans at the Stadio Olimpico is remarkable. It’s always been fun to play here,” said Spinazzola in his Press conference.
Leonardo Spinazzola insists he has no regrets at leaving Juventus for Roma, as Paulo Fonseca’s football is “attractive to watch and fun to play in.”
The versatile full-back made the move in exchange for cash plus Luca Pellegrini and is hoping for more playing time than he got in Turin.
“Roma have always been a great club with excellent players, while the atmosphere with the fans at the Stadio Olimpico is remarkable. It’s always been fun to play here,” said Spinazzola in his Press conference.
This is the first season in Serie A for new Coach Fonseca, who is Portuguese and spent the last few years at Shakhtar Donetsk.
“Fonseca told us from the first day how he wants to play, what he wants to see and indications on everyone’s roles. I really like him, to be honest, as his style of football is attractive to watch and to fun to play in.
“I’ve always said that I prefer playing on the left and can do more there, and so far this week I’ve only been working on the left. If it’s necessary, I can play on the right with no problems, it’s just a matter of getting used to it.”
He hit the best performances of his career with Atalanta, under Coach Gian Piero Gasperini, and does see some similarities.
“Coach Fonseca does have many of the same ideas as Gasperini, so that’s wonderful to see. Mister Allegri was a great Coach and man-manager.”
Spinazzola was asked if this represented a step backwards in his career or if he felt the desire for revenge against a Juventus side that let him go so quickly.
“No, it’s a profession, the clubs and players make their choices. Roma were after me a long time ago, so when they said I could come here and be a protagonist or stay another year as second choice, I decided to come to the Olimpico. I can improve a great deal here.
“It’s a great training ground, directors, an organised side and so far I don’t see much difference between Roma and Juventus. At the moment, one does get the impression that players are passing through at Roma, but this is a job and every year there are issues to consider, including balance sheets. You never know what can happen from one year to the next.
“I already have a dream this season and I hope it comes true. There’s also Euro 2020 coming up, so for us Italians it’s important to play regularly and earn our spot. Before signing, they did explain that building on young, Italian players was the plan at Roma and that’s very important, in my view.”
Roma director of sport Gianluca Petrachi did intercede to say there was one thing the player needed to get used to.
“They already broke into his car and stole his backpack, clearly wanted to say welcome to Rome. He has to wake up a bit, you can’t leave your backpack in the car in full view…”