First interview: Matias Vina

We spoke to the Uruguay international to get his feelings as he begins a new chapter in European football...

You are now a Roma player. How does that feel?

"I’m delighted to be here at this massive club. Some great players have played here, so I’m excited for this new experience and I’m going to try to make the most of it and learn from my team-mates."

You are young but you have already won a lot in your career - and big trophies too, like the Copa Libertadores. Now you are here in Europe, so what are your targets with Roma?

"First of all, I’m delighted to be here. It was my childhood dream to play in Europe – all kids dream of that. I’ve not been playing professional football for long, having only started in 2019 so I’m happy that it’s happened so quickly. I’ve won the Libertadores, I’ve won the title with Nacional and now I’m very happy to be here."

You've played a bit as a centre-back when you were younger but now you are a full-back that likes to get forward and attack. Both those elements should help you adjust to Italian footballl...

"I've always played as a left-sided full-back. I played in the middle at the U20 South American Championship due to the needs of the team. I can play in the middle but I do feel more comfortable at full-back. I’m happy in a back three or a back four or as the wing-back in a back five. I’m quite comfortable in that position."

Physically, how are you doing? You've just recently played in the Copa America, the Brazilian league is currently ongoing...

"I’m joining from the Brazilian league, where I’ve been playing consistently. I’m pleased to have got that consistent playing time and to play in the Copa America for the Uruguay senior side was a dream come true. I really enjoyed it and I learned a lot and I think that experience is going to benefit me here."

Have you spoken with Jose Mourinho and Tiago Pinto? What did they tell you?

"I’ve spoken to Mourinho – we just talked about how I was feeling, how the Copa America went… We spoke about my form in the Copa Libertadores and my position. He welcomed me to the club, so I’m pleased to be here and to be coached by a top manager like him.

"Tiago welcomed me when I arrived here. I spoke to him on the phone when I was in Brazil too. I’m really happy with how they’ve welcomed me."

Because of the current Covid regulations, it'll be a few days before you are allowed to train with the team...

"Due to quarantine, I have to wait a bit before I can link up with my team-mates. I want to get started right away and dive into the dressing room and training with them but I’m going to have to wait a bit due to the regulations here."

Another side-effect of Covid - for the last 18 months or so games have been played largely behind closed doors. It seems, however, that stadiums might re-open soon in Italy - how excited are you about that prospect?

"I’m raring to go. I'm certainly looking forward to it. I miss playing in front of crowds so hopefully the fans can return because that will be fantastic."