Hermoso admits De Rossi played ‘crucial’ role in his Roma transfer | OneFootball

Roma defender Mario Hermoso conceded that sacked coach Daniele De Rossi played a ‘crucial part’ in his decision to join the Giallorossi, but he hopes to share a ‘long path’ with his new supporters.

The 29-year-old spoke in a press conference alongside coach Ivan Juric ahead of Roma’s Europa League opening game against Athletic Bilbao, a side he knows very well, having played in La Liga for seven seasons with Espanyol and Atletico Madrid.

Hermoso left the Colchoneros last summer after five years as a free agent and eventually decided to sign for Roma in early September, after the end of the transfer window.

As quoted by Tuttomercatoweb.com, he was particularly attracted by the ‘top players’ and the ‘big signings’ made by the club, but coach Daniele De Rossi also played a pivotal role in his final decision.

Hermoso joined Roma for De Rossi and wants club to understand importance of victory

“Daniele [De Rossi] was one of the crucial parts of my arrival here, he reached out to me so that I could join,” Hermoso said.

“I’ll always be thankful to him for the time we shared.

“Rome is a wonderful city and has a huge fanbase, it reminds me of Atletico Madrid’s for the kind of passion they put in supporting the team.

“I hope we can share a long path to enjoy these moments together.”

The recent managerial change, with the club’s unexpected decision to sack De Rossi after four Serie A games followed by the appointment of Ivan Juric, raised many questions about Roma’s long-term sporting project, and Hermoso believes that understanding ‘how important victory is’ will be the key to their growth.

“One of the things I liked about the project that was taking shape was the top players that were here and the big singings made by the club,” he said.

“We need to be very demanding with ourselves, this team has the dimension to be at the top in every competition.

“On my end, I’ll make everyone understand how important victory is, because you improve your status by winning.

“I think this has to be our key, to be a competitive team and grow up at the same pace as the club’s infrastructures.”

Roma have won their first Serie A match under Ivan Juric by defeating Udinese 3-0 last weekend, climbing to ninth with six points after five games.