Alexis Saelemaekers discusses decision to join Roma: “De Rossi was a huge factor.” | OneFootball

Alexis Saelemaekers was unveiled as one of Roma’s last signings before the transfer deadline on Friday night.

The Belgian winger joins the Giallorossi on loan until the end of the season from Milan.

In his first interview with the club, Saelemaekers explained his motivation to complete the move to the capital club.

“I’m very happy to be here, I have to thank the club and the Friedkin family for the opportunity they gave me. You can immediately feel the passion when you enter Rome, the fans who greet you, even in the sports centre, I’m happy.”

“The coach was an huge factor in my choice, and so was the passion of the fans. And also the club itself, it is a great club on an international level, there was also the help of Florenzi who spoke to me very well about the city and the club. I’m super happy to be here.”

“When I arrived at Milan I was still young, I hadn’t yet discovered what football was in Europe, in the big teams. Being with players like Ibrahimovic, Giroud, Origi and many others every day taught me a lot.”

“Having won the scudetto with Milan was an important thing in my career. At Bologna I had the reputation of being one of the most important players for the group, it had never happened to me before, and this made me take responsibility and really changed me.”

“I had a conversation with the coach a few weeks ago and the thing that struck me the most is his desire to bring the Roma team back to where it needs to be, as high as possible.”

“I found my mentality in his, I always want to give the best on the pitch and I felt that he also had this thing as a coach and at that point I no longer had any doubts about where I wanted to be.”

“Svilar? He was my first goalkeeper at Anderlecht, he has always been very strong, a goalkeeper of another level. The anecdote is from last year, before the match here at the Olimpico, we talked a bit and after the match he was angry about the goal I had scored against him. But he is a great friend.”

“The Olimpico? I still remember my first match with Milan against Roma, when the fans started singing the anthem, I can’t wait to see it as a player for the club.”