Emerson: The focus is on coming back at 110%

The Brazilian, who enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Giallorossi in 2017-18, is working hard on his recovery this week in Pinzolo - and ahead of Thursday's workout he spoke to Roma TV about his progress.

Read what Emerson had to say in the transcript below.

Last season, was there a specific moment when you realised that things were starting to go really well for you?

“Before the derby: I had played in five games in a row prior to that, but none had been a real test like that. Winning the derby was the moment, I started to see things change and I really felt like a Roma player after that.”

Did you have to change your mentality?

“Us players always need to have continuity and confidence to play our best football. The mental side did change, after the Porto game I thought: 'You have to do something different, otherwise you won’t be able to play.'"

Di Francesco plays a lot through the flanks: can you wait to get back on the training pitch?

“I’m not watching the training sessions much because I’m in the gym at the same time, but last year I saw how Sassuolo played and the work put in by their full-backs and wide players. I am already thinking about returning, playing more with the ball and running more in every game.”

With less than two weeks until the fixture list is announced, how difficult is it for you not to be able to hurry up the recovery?

“I have to think about recovering well, at 110%. Now we can focus on that, because this is pre-season. When the championship and the Champions League starts I will start to think about when I can come back. I have already thought when that day might be: in fact I have been thinking about that date since May 29, the day of the surgery.”

This is an important season for all the Brazilians at Roma…

“We hope to all have a good season. We all hope that Bruno [Peres] can be the player that we know he is – and I knew first of all when we were both in Brazil. Juan Jesus has demonstrated that he is a great player. For Alisson it’s a bit different, he’s the national team goalkeeper and in the cups last season he did well too. And there is also Gerson, who is young but very good. I hope that this year he has the opportunity to demonstrate his real potential.”

To be here in Pinzolo with so many fans most be positive…

“Roma are a very united club: after the Porto game some thought we were not up to the challenge, but we proved we are really strong and determined. This year a few players have left but those who have arrived are strong players. We must have confidence and be united with the fans, because we need them.”