Veretout: Roma is a big step forward for me

The French midfielder was asked about his reasons for choosing the Giallorossi, along with his ambitions at the club and the style of play he expects to be asked to employ.

Read everything Veretout had to say...

Where do you think you've improved most in recent times?

“I've played everywhere in midfield and learnt a lot from playing in the holding role. It's made me a more mature player because you have to think a bit more carefully. I still have plenty of room for improvement, though.”

Lots of clubs were interested in you. What made you choose Roma?

“I chose Roma because this is a huge club and I was impressed by what [Paulo] Fonseca said to me. Roma are playing in the Europa League this season and I see this as a step forward in my career.”

Do you expect to make your Champions League bow next year?

“Roma are a huge club who want to be playing in the Champions League every season. For now it's the Europa League but our aim is to get back in the Champions League. We 're going to have to work very hard if we're to achieve that.”

Do you think Edin Dzeko staying would help Roma secure Champions League football? How's your Italian coming along?

“I can speak Italian but I feel more comfortable talking in French. Dzeko is an excellent player and a great finisher so he can definitely help us.”

What does it change for you playing in a two-man or a three-man midfield?

“In a three-man midfield I have more freedom to get forward. With two I have to be more careful about providing defensive cover.”

You had talks with AC Milan – what happened there? Is there anything you want to promise the fans?

“I'm a Roma player and I'm very happy to be here – this is what I wanted. We're looking to build something big here. As I said, my decision was partly influenced by what the boss said to me. The Roma fans are amazing. I hope I can have a great season and make them proud.”

Can you tell us a bit more about that phone call with Fonseca? What convinced you exactly?

“He told me he needed someone with my skill set. He convinced me instantly and I never looked back from there.”

Did you speak to Vincenzo Montella about Roma? What shirt number have you chosen?

“I didn't speak to Montella about Roma specifically but this was a step forward that I wanted to take in my career. The shirt numbers I would have liked were already taken so I'm going to take a bit of time to think about it.”

Roma have had midfielders such as Daniele De Rossi, Kevin Strootman and Radja Nainggolan recently. Who are you most similar to? Have you spoken to the captain yet?

“Those are three great players. All I can promise is to give 100% and hopefully I'll have a great season. I haven't spoken to [Alessandro] Florenzi much in person but he sent me a really nice message when I joined. I'll have the chance to speak to him better over the coming days.”

You won the U20 World Cup with Paul Pogba and have represented France at every youth level. What's missing for you to make the step up to the senior side?

“One of my targets is to get into the national team. I'm sure I'll be more closely followed here at Roma but I have to work very hard.”

You were the penalty taker and free-kick taker at Fiorentina. Have you spoken to Fonseca about that?

“We'll see about free kicks and penalties further down the line. In the meantime I'll keep practising them!”

Last year you were the midfielder that recovered the most balls. Has Fonseca asked you to take on more of a creative or a defensive midfield role at Roma?

“The boss likes to play attacking football. He wanted me as a deep-lying playmaker but in that position you need to know how to defend too.”