Kumbulla: 'Roma ideal for my career'

New Roma signing Marash Kumbulla admits he had been studying and ‘learning’ from Chris Smalling last season. ‘Roma is the ideal place to continue my career.’

The 20-year-old completed the transfer from Hellas Verona on loan for €3m with obligation to buy for a further €22m plus up to €3.5m in bonuses.

Having previously been linked with Lazio, Inter and Napoli, this move developed surprisingly quickly.

“When I first became aware about the opportunity to play for Roma, it didn’t take long for me to decide,” Kumbulla told The Guardian newspaper.

“I knew immediately that it was the right club for me. They showed me the project, the staff and I spoke to the coach. The Roma fans, stadium and history of this great club are amazing, and it was very easy to choose it. Roma, for me, is the ideal place to continue my career.”

Kumbulla’s parents came over from Albania and he was born in Italy, joining the Verona youth academy at the age of eight.

The highlight of his debut Serie A season was Verona’s victory over Juventus at the Stadio Bentegodi in February.

“Cristiano Ronaldo has been a very tough opponent, but I’ve tried to limit him with my characteristics and to anticipate him. Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku are very difficult to face, the first for his speed and the second for his strength. “I have taken advantage of playing against the best players in Italy at such a young age. It’s made me grow up faster.

“The victory against Juventus is unforgettable because it was on my birthday. I couldn’t have asked for a better present.”

The Albania international has also been keeping a close eye on his predecessor in the Roma defence, Manchester United man Smalling.

“Last year I really liked to watch Chris Smalling play. I tried to learn from him.”

Image: asroma.com

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