Kone: “I know I can enter Roma’s history books.” | OneFootball

Manu Koné was the latest protagonist of the Lega Serie A “Made in Italy” format.

The Roma midfielder, who could play his final match for the Giallorossi on Sunday, touched on a variety of topics: from his experience at Toulouse to his arrival in Serie A, to his desire to play in his first Champions League match.

Regarding his early days in Paris, he said: “I was born in Paris to Ivorian parents. I started playing football because my father always played but never became a professional. When you’re young, you play in small neighborhoods, and that shaped me. Today I’m a professional; I worked for this, and now it’s my whole life.”

He then focused on what it means to play at the Olimpico and train at Trigoria: “We always know where we are and, above all, where we’re going, with the same common goal. At the weekend, it’s like it’s for all players, like all kids. It’s like it’s always a final. We players like it when there are people there; we like to give the fans a thrill because that’s what we’ve been doing since we were kids. With victories, it’s even better. I have no friends on the pitch. I want to win and go home with the three points.”

Koné also spoke about adapting to Italy: “I think I adapted well because it was a new country for me. I think it’s a welcoming country. It’s a bit like France: it’s a country that loves foreigners, making them feel at ease. That’s what I really like, and that’s what I find a bit of in France too. I’m very happy with the people, even outside of football. Walking through a wonderful city like Rome is like leafing through a beautiful history book.”

And on his best moments at Roma: “I’d say when I won the Roma derby against Lazio, it was an indescribable feeling. The corner? I have to say, I was already prepared in case of victory. It’s something I’ve been doing for a long time, ever since I was in Germany. This time it was even better because it was a derby. I do it more for myself, for my team, and for my fans. So I’d like to reiterate that, it’s not to upset Lazio.”

Finally, his wishes for the future. I know it’s important for the team and for Roma to qualify for the Champions League and play in it. And I think when I do, or if we do, or if we have the chance, I know they’ll remember me because I can make history. I know it’s been a long time since I last played. I just want them to remember me as a cheerful person, who loves to laugh and tease people a little. A good teammate who’s happy to be here, who loves his life, who’s passionate and supportive.