Souloukou: "Lukaku's arrival is a clear example of how the ownership are making Roma more competitive.”

What are your thoughts on the draw? Last season, you made it all the way to Budapest.

 “First of all, I apologise for my Italian. However, I feel want to talk in Italian for cultural reasons. Obviously, we must not underestimate our opponents. The level of this season’s Europa League competition is very competitive, and the group stage is very important. We understand the worth of our team, our coach, and our squad. Given Roma's recent European results, the expectation is to reach the end of the competition.”

 Can you give us an assessment of your first period at Roma?

 "I've only been here three months, so it may be too soon to draw any conclusions. However, the situation I discovered is really positive. Having worked in football for many years, I was well aware of the Romanisti’s passion. It's fantastic to experience it up close in the city, at the stadium, and even at the airport. we've all seen the images of Romelu's landing in Rome. Working for a club where there is such a strong sense of love is both an honour and a responsibility, since we understand how important the team is in the lives of the supporters.”

 The settlement agreement with UEFA ends in 2027, the same year the club intends to have a new stadium. You are dealing with this matter directly. Are these dates a coincidence, a strategy, or is 2027 a deadline beyond which the club's objectives can no longer grow?

 “First and foremost, I would like to underline the significance of the ownership's involvement and presence in this project. It's an ownership that has a strong aim while also being in constant growth. This is important to all of us who are working tirelessly to make this goal a reality. The ownership has invested a lot of money to create a team that is excellent not just on the pitch, but also off it. To be honest, I am quite proud to work for and with both the sporting and corporate sides of the club.

“The stadium and the UEFA issue are two separate administrative processes. Yes, they are related in terms of timing, but they are not the same thing. Having our own stadium is really important. It is one of the pillars for the company. There is no club that can have the ambition to establish itself at the top without having its own home.

 “At the same time, we are continuing the process with UEFA, that includes certain constraints that we must adhere to, but it is a process that is aligned with the rules of financial sustainability in the world of football. But, even this process that we must follow has not stopped the fulfillment of the ownership's aim. Lukaku's arrival is the most recent proof. A clear example of how the ownership, year after year, are making Roma more competitive.”