New Roma signing Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has insisted he’s at the capital club to win trophies.
The French defender arrived at Roma on a season-long loan from Newcastle, with the Giallorossi having the option of making the deal permanent for €5 million.
Speaking at a press conference to announce his signing, the former Montpellier man said: “(Roma coach) Rudi Garcia convinced me to come here. He wants to win trophies, and I’m also hungry for victories. I want to win with Roma. I’m very happy to be here, to give something extra to the team. The coach knows me, and I want to give so much to this club. We have a great squad that will do anything to win.”
Yanga-Mbiwa, who will wear the number two shirt for his new club, also spoke about what role he will play: “I’ll do what I can to help the coach and the team. Primarily, I’m a central defender. Right-back? I can play there, but central defence is my position.”
When asked about competition for his favoured central defensive role, the three time French international replied: “Garcia knows what I can bring to the team. I’m ready to do my best, and make the starting shirt my own.”
Yanga-Mbiwa also gave his thoughts on his ill-fated sojourn in the Premier League: “In England, things didn’t go as well as I’d hoped. They have a different style of play. Here (in Italy) we use the ball more, just like in France. I’m here to show that my time in the Premier League was just a mistake.”
Yanga-Mbiwa played 23 times for Newcastle in the Premier League last season, receiving five yellow cards and one red card.
