Kolarov's first interview: 'I'll give 100% and more for Roma'

Aleksandar Kolarov says his ambition remains the same - 'to win' - after he completed his move to Roma.

The full-back joined the Giallorossi on Saturday, ending a seven-year stay at Manchester City to return to Serie A.

The 31-year-old sat down with Roma TV to discuss how the transfer came about - and what he hopes to achieve with the club over the coming campaign.

Read everything the Serbian had to say below...

Welcome Aleksandar: what does it mean to you to be a Roma player?

Kolarov: “Thank you very much. Right now I’m very happy to be here. Today is my first day and I hope everything goes well.”

You have already met your new coach and teammates; what are your first impressions?

“Yes, I met everyone, also coach [Eusebio] Di Francesco who I saw this morning. At this moment I am very happy to be here – some players I already know well, others I don’t, but now I will be able to spend some time to get to know everyone better.”

It was a very quick negotiaton – how did it happen?

“The first contact we had was about a week ago. I spoke to the sporting director [Monchi] and in the end the talks progressed just as we both wanted.”

What was Monchi’s role in this move?

“The sporting director was very important in this transfer. He was very clear and open with me and I was very open with him: we managed to reach an agreement in basically two minutes.”

You now reunite with Edin Dzeko, who you played with for a number of years in Manchester...

“Me and Edin remained in contact after he left City. I spoke to him about Roma, and he only told me good things about the club. I am pleased to have the chance to play with him again.”

What is your aim for this season?

“My aim is always to win. I will give 100 per cent to win every game and try and win some trophies.”

What do you think the club’s objectives should be?

“To win every game: we will see where we are at the end of the campaign, but we have to always set high targets.”

Have you continued to follow the Italian league?

“Yes, because there were many Italians at City – we pretty much followed Serie A every Sunday. Now Italian football has returned to where it was before – it’s an extremely competitive league.”

Some people have not reacted that well to the news of your arrival, because of your past with Lazio…

“I cannot, and do not want to, deny my past. But now I am with Roma and just as I gave 100% when I was at Lazio I will now give 100% and more for Roma.

"Lazio was a good experience for me, but from today they are my rivals on the pitch.”