Azmoun sees ‘different’ Roma with De Rossi but thanks Mourinho

Sardar Azmoun is enjoying life under Daniele De Rossi but says thank you to José Mourinho for ‘all he did’ at the Stadio Olimpico.

Azmoun started his first Serie A game in a 3-0 victory over Frosinone on Sunday and netted his second goal in Italy’s top flight in the second half.

“It was a really tough game in the first half. But we tried hard, we changed tactics in the dressing room with the staff and we played well [in the second half]. It is my job to score goals and I am so happy,” the 29-year-old told DAZN after the game.

Azmoun apologised to Frosinone fans after scoring as his teammate Dean Huijsen had upset them with his goal celebration in the first half.

“Maybe they didn’t like our first goal from the 18-year-old player [Huijsen],” said Azmoun.

“Maybe the players were sad so I wanted to apologise for the first goal. Of course, I wanted to celebrate, but the most important thing is to respect each other in football. They are our friends. I know it’s different on the pitch, but respect is the most important thing in football.”

When asked if he plays more regularly as a centre forward under De Rossi, the Iran international replied with a smile: “I don’t know. I was everywhere. In the first half, I was behind Romelu with Tommy [Baldanzi] and in the second half, I was a centre striker.”

Azmoun also faced a question about his new coach, De Rossi, and how he’s been doing during his tenure.

“When I was a kid, I was a Roma fan, and I remember big games because, in Iran, they didn’t show normal games; they just showed big games,” said Azmoun.

“He was very aggressive but with a kind heart. He always tried to help and make us happy. I think we will enjoy it now; you see, we are different in games.”

Journalists had run out of time for questions, but Azmoun ended his post-match interview with a message for Roma’s ex-coach Mourinho.

“We have to say thank you to José for all he did in Roma. I hope that with the new coach, we will do better,” he concluded.

Azmoun joined Roma on loan for Bayer Leverkusen last summer. The Giallorossi have an option to make his move permanent at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old has scored two goals in 17 appearances across all competitions this term.