Perotti: Winning something with Roma would be unforgettable

Has losing to Juventus scuppered Roma's title ambitions?

“There's a big points gap but the season is still long. We wanted to win in Turin or at least draw and we weren't able to, but at least we played well against a fantastic team. We must do better and there's time for us to get back on track.”

Where do Roma need to improve?

“We've dropped too many points along the way, like when we drew against Cagliari – that one still really hurts – and at Empoli. Those points would have made all the difference now. They're the games you have to win if you want to win the Scudetto.”

What do you think of your next Europa League opponents Villarreal?

“The Europa League is a great tournament. I played in it with Sevilla and it means a lot to me. Villarreal will make for tough opposition and it won't be easy but if we want to go all the way and lift trophies then we have to beat the best sides sooner or later. We'll be playing the return leg at home and that's important.”

Have you thought about playing for Argentina?

“It's my dream and if I were to get a call-up, it would be reward for everything I've done in my career. It's hard though because Argentina have some amazing players from the midfield up. However, if I keep doing well at a big club like Roma perhaps the coach will take a look at me.”

You're a very religious person. What does Pope Francis mean to you?

“It's wonderful to have a Pope from Argentina. I am very religious and I was lucky enough to meet him in person after the match against San Lorenzo. It was an emotional occasion to see him as a normal person and I'd like to meet him again. For me and for all Argentines, it's incredible having the Pope hail from our country.”

Getting back to football, is it true, as Luciano Spalletti says, that you don't like playing on the right?

“He's not completely wrong. It's not that I don't like it but I don't feel I can contribute as much there as when I start on the left. It's harder for me to put my ability to good use. On the right I tend to get a bit lost and I also find it harder to help the team; my movement comes more naturally to me on the left. But I want to play and if I have to do that on the right I'm happy to do so. However, if you ask me which side I prefer playing on, it's the left.”

What are you hoping for in 2017?

“First and foremost to remain healthy as I am now, and to go through the season without injury to myself or my team-mates. Then I definitely want to win something with Roma because I think winning here would be unforgettable. Coming from Argentina I'm used to passionate people but seeing all those happy fans after the derby was fantastic.

"It would be a unique experience to win something with Roma. I want to lift silverware because so far I've only won a Copa Del Rey with Sevilla and because these fans and this city deserve it. We have a good team and I think we can do it. It's time to stop talking and go out there and show how good we are on the pitch.”