Diego Perotti's first interview as a Roma player

Welcome to Rome, Diego. How was your first day at Trigoria?

"Really good, I met my team-mates and managed to get through the entire training session. I'm delighted to be here."

How does it feel being a Roma player?

"It's a pleasure to be here at such a great club like Roma. It's a huge step for my career and I'm really pleased."

A lot was spoken about your transfer to the capital, when did it sink in you were going to be a Giallorossi player?

"“The truth is that I was only told after I finished the game yesterday that I had to go to the airport to catch a plane here. Clearly there's been a lot of talk around the negotiations over the last 20 days, but it only became certain 24 hours ago."

What did Walter Sabatini say to you?

"He explained the situation and how the city loves its football. Everybody has told me something – let's see how it goes with the first match tomorrow."

Have you already chatted to Luciano Spalletti? What did he say to you?

"I met him this morning and we spoke a bit about my role, but nothing specific yet."

You played with Nicolas Burdisso and Iago Falque at Genoa, were they able to tell you something about Roma?

"Yes, I found out some more from them and they told me it was a great club – especially Nicolas who was here for many years."

How would you describe your best qualities as a player?

"I don't like talking about myself too much, I'd prefer it for the fans to describe me. I always try to give 100% – sometimes I play well or I might make mistakes but I will always give it everything I have."

You could slot in a few positions in Spalletti's attacking set-up, where do you like playing the most?

"I've always felt more comfortable on the left, but I've played in the hole at Genoa and I've also played on the right. The main thing is that I want to play and make myself available for the team."

The match against Real Madrid is on the horizon and you'll have the chance of returning to play in Spain on such a huge stage like the Champions League.

"Going back there to play in a game of this magnitude is fantastic. I only played once against Real Madrid when I was at Sevilla but for any player it's a crazy experience."

You've been in Italy since 2014. What was your perception of Roma as an opponent

"That this is a top side. Whenever we came up against Roma, we knew it would be extremely difficult to get three points. Now that I'm here and I've met my team-mates, I can confirm that they are really talented."

At 27 years old what part of your game do you think you can still improve on?

"I've always said that I have to score more goals and take more shots on rather than only looking for the assists. You can only improve by working hard, however."

What's your aim for the second half of the season?

"I'm aware that I've joined a great team and it won't be easy to perform like I was doing at Genoa. I'm here to help the club and my team-mates."

After the Seville Derby and the Genoa Derby, you're now going to experience the rivalry in the Italian capital. What have you already heard about it?

"I've spoken about it with Nicolas and Iago. I've also watched the Rome Derby so many times on the television and to experience it from the pitch will be fantastic for me. Every footballer wants to play in these games during their career."

Do you have a message for the Giallorossi fans?

"I've come here to give 100%. It's a huge step for me and I'm really pleased to be here. I want to do well for the team, myself and my team-mates by giving everything I have."