Roger Ibanez has been mildly linked to a move away from Roma, with Newcastle, Barcelona and Real Madrid reportedly probing for him. He quieted the chatter speaking to LaRoma24.
“Rumours are part of the game. I am working hard and that is what matters the most. I will still be here on September 1st.”
The defender recalled the triumph in the European Conference League.
“May 25th was an unforgettable day for us and for the fans. I thought we could be victorious from the get-go, and we indeed managed. The debacle against Bodo/Glimt helped us because you learn more from defeats than from victories. It taught us to be a group and a family. We always stayed tight after it.”
Ibanez was part of a Roma defense that improved throughout the season.
“We understood what the coach was asking us and we talked within ourselves too. It contributed to making it more solid.”
Like his teammate Chris Smalling, the center-back believes the Giallorossi should aim for Champions League.
“Everybody wants to reach such objective. But we have to strive for it since the start and do well in the first few matches.”
Ibanez heaped praise on José Mourinho and the Roma staff.
“His career speaks for itself. He is incredible as a gaffer and as a person and he has been very important to me. He knows how to talk to players. We have a good relationship. We have worked a lot on both style of defenses. Now it is up to the management to decide whether to add another man or not.”
The 23-year-old should soon become an option for Italy.
“I have never spoken with Roberto Mancini, but I will think about it. I am still ways away from completing the paperwork.”