'The right move for me': Antonio Mirante's first interview as a Roma player

The experienced goalkeeper, 34, believes the move to the Giallorossi comes at "the right moment" for him - and is hopeful his experience of almost 350 games in Serie A will prove a real asset to the club.

Read everything the goalkeeper had to say in his first interview as a Roma player.

Welcome to Roma, Antonio. What are you feeling after signing your contract with the Giallorossi?

“Becoming a Roma player is a proud moment for me, a great satisfaction. It was something that I really wanted – in the past there had been some interest, but this is the right moment in my career and I think it will be a great step for me.”

You have played against Roma many times: what stands out about those contests?

“A lot, playing against a great side that always has a particular aura. I have not had the best of luck against Roma, I remember a lot of defeats. I have been lucky enough to play in Serie A for a long time and there is not necessarily one thing that stands out – but I have always felt I was playing against one of the best sides in the league.”

As an opponent you have also come up against the Roma fans a number of times…

“Roma fans are the sort that give their team a few more points. They are really important for us, they represent something fundamental for the club. We have to be a united group with them and always play our part: we need to play in a way that they can be proud of us.”

What did you think about the run in the Champions League last season?

“Last season was important for Roma and full of achievements, I think the team learned a lot and it has given us a foundation to build on for the future – in the league and especially in Europe. This year will be important and even harder, as we want to build on what we achieved last season and push on. But we all understand that and have what we need to do it.”

What did Monchi say to you when you met him at Trigoria?

“I had already spoken with the sporting director on the phone yesterday [Wednesday] when negotiations were finished, and we were both very happy with the deal. We had already been speaking earlier in the transfer window and so for us there was not much else to discuss than concluding the move.”

Have you heard from the coach?

“I spoke to the Mister yesterday evening, he welcomed me to the club: I am joining a great club with a top coach and last season made that clear.”

What are you expecting next season?

“The season will definitely be very important, it will be a season to consolidate and improve. My aim is to work hard and be completely at the disposal of the club. I have a lot of experience in my role, I have already played 12 years in Serie A. I know I need to work hard all week and be available for my teammates – I don’t know any other way of approaching things.”