Ainavi: Choosing No. 8 is a tribute to idol Iniesta, but I didn t think about comparing it with him

Enavi transferred to Rome for a total price of 25 million euros. Recently, Ainavi accepted an exclusive interview with the media.

Q: Neil Ainavi, what is your summary of this training camp in England?

"We trained very well and it was very intense. Now there are a few days to get back to fitness, start again in Trigoria from Wednesday to prepare for the league opening."

Question: Against Everton, you played back as the front midfielder...

"I don't have a fixed preference position. Gasperini let me play wherever I want, and that's fine. When I was a child, I played forward, which gave me the feeling of scoring, and then changed to midfield at the age of 15. I feel like a modern midfielder, able to attack and defend, both dedication and cover a large area."

Question: Speaking of goals, can you surpass 8 goals last season?

"I hope that I can, although I play higher in Lance. But my mission is to help the team."

Q: How did you try to make yourself a full-scale player?

"My position is born to focus on teams. When playing in the midfield, you cannot just think about personal performance, but think and cooperate with the whole team. My characteristics are suitable for covering both ends of the penalty area, and you can participate in both defense and offense."

Question: Do you have an idol?

"Iniesta. When I was a child, I lived in Barcelona and wore No. 8 for him. But I never thought of comparing it with him..."

Question: When it comes to Barcelona, your father Yunes was training there, did you never think about playing tennis?

"No, this is a natural choice for me. I have always only soccer in my heart. My father has always let me choose freely. But I like tennis, and sometimes we play together. I also pay attention to basketball."

Question: In Roman history, there is a Naingolan in the box-to-box character...

"It is a great compliment to me to be compared with him. He is a player who made history. It would be great if he could reproduce his achievements."

Question: What is the biggest difficulty this month?

"This is my first time leaving France to play football abroad. But everyone is very friendly to me, which helped me through my initial adaptation period."

Question: What are Gasperini's requirements for you? What do you think you are missing?

"He asked me to pass, press, and actively defend and participate in the offense. I still have a lot to improve, but I played in Lance's style very similar, so this change is not a big deal."

Question: Who is the main opponent in the Champions League place?

"First of all, we have to bring Roma back where it should be. This is a great club, and it would be wonderful to win trophy here. I still lack practical experience in the league, so I can only say that we will compete with the teams that ranked ahead of us last season. This gap can be narrowed through hard work. Whether it is a strong conversation or a normal game, every game must be prepared in the same way."

Q: You closed the Instagram comment section because of some comments. Is it a thing of the past?

"I don't want to talk about it anymore. This is a thing of the past, and I don't want to review it. The closing of the comment was suggested by my father, but I also received a lot of positive comments. Now I just want to work hard and use my performance to change the views of those who have drawn conclusions before I met me."

Question: Do you and Conne already have a good understanding?

"We grew up in the same league, which makes it easier for us to cooperate. However, this tacit understanding still needs to be continuously improved through the game."

Question: There are also many fans who come with the team in Liverpool...

"I am gradually getting to know Rome fans, and they are really amazing - they always support us wherever they are."

Question: Have you followed Rome when you were a child?

"In recent years, it has become more difficult to watch Serie A in France because of the broadcast rights issue. But I remember a match between Roma and Juventus. At that time, 2-1 on August 30, 2015, Dzeko, Pjanic and Dybala scored the goals."

Question: In the end, Morocco will participate in the African Cup at home. Will you be selected?

"I have only been selected for the U23 so far. As for what the future will be, let's take a look. Now I'm only focusing on Rome."