Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Brazilian defender Roger Ibañez is ready to take to the field once again on Wednesday (May 31) in search of his second consecutive European trophy with AS Roma. Last year, under coach José Mourinho, Roma won the Conference League title and this time they have climbed another notch to play in the Europa League final against Sevilla in Budapest, Hungary.
While preparing for the final, Ibañez also received the exciting news of his call-up to the Brazilian national team. He is due to join coach Ramon Menezes’ squad on June 12 for the friendlies against Guinea and Senegal. Delighted with the opportunity to be called up to the national team, Ibañez said that his goal is not just to get there, but to establish himself as a regular member of the squad. He emphasized his dedication to the club, working hard and preparing, with the aim of maintaining a high level of performance to ensure a lasting presence in the national team.
Reflecting on the current season, Ibañez acknowledged the rewarding journey Roma have been through so far, reaching another European final two years in a row. He admitted that the final against Sevilla would be a challenging encounter, but affirmed his determination to give his all on the pitch.
In terms of his adaptation to Italian soccer, Ibañez shared that he initially faced language barriers, but quickly made progress in learning Italian, helped by his teammates and former Roma legend Aldair. The Brazilian defender recognized the rich history of Brazilian players at Roma and had the opportunity to meet and interact with Aldair, who he described as an exceptional person and a club idol.
Ibañez also praised coach Mourinho, describing him as a special person who knows how to deal with each player individually. The defender highlighted Mourinho’s emphasis on mental strength and his unwavering competitiveness, always striving for victory.
With another impressive season under his belt, Ibañez’s aspirations for a call-up to the national team stem from his consistent performances and unwavering focus at Roma. While he continues to dedicate himself to his club, Ibañez wants to seize the opportunity and make his mark on the Brazilian national team.