El Aynaoui reveals Barcelona inspiration behind Roma squad No. after official transfer | OneFootball

Neil El Aynaoui has officially joined Roma, revealing that he picked the No.8 because of his idol Andres Iniesta.

Roma have confirmed the permanent signing of El Aynaoui from Lens. The 24-year-old is Roma’s first summer signing.

The former U23 Morocco international released his first interview with the club’s official website.

“I’ve received an excellent welcome since I arrived at the airport, and I’m glad about it,” he said.

“I’ve realised the passion of this city, so I want to give my best for the fans because this is what this city deserves. I’m sure they’ll provide us with great support. If that was the welcome I received at the airport, I can’t wait to see what they’ll do at the stadium.”

El Aynaoui explains Roma squad number

FREIBURG IM BREISGAU, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 22: Neil El Aynaoui of RC Lens controls the ball during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 knockout round play-offs second leg match between Sport-Club Freiburg and RC Lens at Europa-Park Stadion on February 22, 2024 in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. (Photo by Oliver Hardt/Getty Images)

The 24-year-old midfielder explained why he picked the No.8 for his first season at the Stadio Olimpico.

“I grew up near Barcelona, so naturally, I supported this team, and I’ve always been a great fan of Andres Iniesta. I’ve always dreamt of wearing this number,” he said.

“I spoke with Massara during the initial phases, but I would like to thank the owners and directors for handling the situation well and facilitating my move here.

“I can describe myself as a modern midfielder with stamina, able to play in both phases, who covers the pitch with intensity.”

FREIBURG IM BREISGAU, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 22: Neil El Aynaoui of RC Lens controls the ball during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 knockout round play-offs second leg match between Sport-Club Freiburg and RC Lens at Europa-Park Stadion on February 22, 2024 in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. (Photo by Oliver Hardt/Getty Images)

El Aynaoui also has an eye for the goal, having netted nine times and provided four assists in 49 Ligue 1 appearances.

“Before playing as a central midfielder, I used to play further up the pitch, so I have a sense for the goal,” he explained.

“There are systems where I can cover both phases.”

How about his Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who was appointed just a few weeks ago?

“I followed him when I was in France, and he proved great things at Atalanta. I find a great coach in a great club,” said El Aynaoui.

“He is a coach who likes to play attacking football, so I can’t wait to get started and learn from him. I’ve joined an incredible club.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the other players. There’s a dressing room with many top players, and I’ll try to learn something from all of them and improve myself.

“I’m excited to start training with the team, and now my teammates can take this club to where it deserves to be. Winning trophies here would be marvellous.”

El Aynaoui explains why he picked football over tennis

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 29: Declan Rice of Arsenal battles for possession with Neil El Aynaoui of RC Lens during the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal FC and RC Lens at Emirates Stadium on November 29, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

El Aynaoui’s father, Younes, is a former tennis star who reached his career-high singles ranking of world No. 14 in 2003. So, why did his son Neil pick football rather than tennis?

“He’s never forced me to do anything. It’s a natural decision I made when I was a kid. As a kid, there was just football for me; nothing else,” the new Roma midfielder replied.

“So, my father allowed my brothers and me to pick what we liked the most, and I naturally chose football. However, I don’t forget about tennis, and sometimes I play it with my father.”

Roma have paid €25m including add-ons to secure the player’s signature from Lens.