Digne: I would like to stay at Roma

Speaking exclusively to Roma Radio, Digne declared: “I’m delighted to be playing with this team. I would like to stay here, but the final decision isn’t down to me.”

The French left-back joined the Giallorossi from Paris Saint-Germain on a season-long loan deal in the summer of 2015.

“I’m playing for a great side and a massive club. I like the city too – it’s even more beautiful than I was expecting. It’s wonderful.”

After spending four seasons in Ligue 1 playing for Lille and PSG, Digne made his Roma debut in the 2-1 defeat of Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico earlier this season. He has made 25 appearances in the Giallorossi shirt in total.

What differences are there between French and Italian football?

“The Italian league is more tactical and more challenging on a physical level.”

You look like a nice guy, but on the pitch you make sure you get respect…

“Well, that’s very important for a defender. I think I’m a good guy but on the pitch it’s different. I’m a defender and I defend Roma.”

After last week’s managerial change, have you been able to identify any differences between Rudi Garcia and Lucaino Spalletti?

“They’re different but both of them are great coaches. They have different methods and we focus on different things now. We’ve not had a massive amount of time to work with Spalletti as things stand, but we’ll have more time this week.”

Roma travel to Juventus on Sunday. Can the fans feel confident about the game?

“We’re putting in the hard graft, doing good work and of course we want to get a win as soon as possible.”

There were big expectations around the club after the summer arrivals of Mohamed Salah, Edin Dzeko and yourself. What should we expect from Roma now?

“It’s true that there were a lot of expectations at the start of the season. We need to try to get back in a position where we can achieve what we wanted at the start of the year as soon as possible. We’ve had a period where things haven’t gone as we wanted so now it’s important we achieve some consistency in our results.”

Who do you get on with best at Roma?

“I get on with the whole squad – we’re like a family. I’m especially close with Radja Nainggolan, William Vainqueur and Iago Falque.”

It’s hard to imagine you and Radja hanging out together. You seem so different!

“When I joined Roma I was next to Radja in the dressing room and he said “stick with me”. He speaks French too so that made it easier for me.”

Who’s the toughest team you’ve faced so far?

“Fiorentina.”

And the toughest opponent?

“Jakub Blaszczykowski.”