Ndicka: 'I never thought of leaving Roma. I was afraid at Udine'

Gian Piero Gasperini cancelled a scheduled interview with Sky Sport on 7 August, declining to discuss Roma's transfer activity and the club's pre-season training camp in Wales. Instead, the coach held a meeting with Roma's ownership at their Hensol resort base, focusing on the status of ongoing negotiations. The gathering included CEO John Galantic and centred on contract renewals, inbound moves, and player departures. Two deals were discussed: Lorenzo Pellegrini has formally agreed to renew his contract for one season, but paperwork remains unsigned. The Molina transfer is reportedly agreed in all its aspects but awaits a final procedural step. Gasperini's decision to skip the media appearance reflects the urgency of Roma's summer business with less than three weeks until Fiorentina visit the Olimpico for Serie A's opening day on 24 August. The club needs to accelerate its market activity, and the coach appears determined to prioritise action over words. Roma departed Wales for England on 7 August afternoon. Fans will next hear from Gasperini after Brighton's match against Roma, though the reference to waiting for Godot suggests uncertainty around whether clarity will then arrive.

Roma's pre-season training camp in Wales is drawing to a close, with Gian Piero Gasperini's squad preparing for a final warm-up fixture before returning to Italy. The penultimate day at Vale Resort in Hensol saw the players divided between a morning gym session focused on muscle strength and an afternoon programme of small-sided matches and intensive athletic work. Donyell Malen, sidelined by illness in recent days, is completing his recovery and pushing to feature in the next friendly. Today marks the end of the British training camp. Roma will hold a final morning session before lunch, then depart for Cardiff Airport at an unspecified time, flying by charter to London at 17.40. From Gatwick, the squad will travel by coach to Brighton to prepare for the tour's final test: a match against Brighton on Saturday afternoon at 16.00 (Italian time). The fixture offers a stern examination of Premier League opposition before Roma return to Italy. The training period has been intensive and valuable, consolidating the tactical identity built in the previous season. After the Brighton encounter, the squad will head home, concluding the overseas phase of their pre-season preparations.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has made a significant gesture towards AS Roma by signalling his willingness to renew his contract, accepting terms for a single year—potentially with an option for a second year subject to certain conditions. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has been instrumental in keeping lines of communication open with the midfielder, consistently expressing his desire to continue working with Pellegrini in his second season at the club. The two remain in regular contact. Roma's board has long delayed formal action on a renewal offer, but is now prepared to present an official proposal to the player. As of the evening of 6 August, no official offer had yet been formally submitted. Pellegrini's willingness to accept a reduced contract term reflects his commitment to remaining in the Giallorossi colours, despite the protracted nature of negotiations over the summer. Gasperini's backing has been crucial to narrowing the gap between the club and its captain, signalling that Pellegrini remains central to the coach's plans.

Roma are continuing their pre-season preparations in the United Kingdom with a focus on getting Donyell Malen back to his best. The Dutch winger arrived at camp below match fitness after playing through the final five months of last season without rest, accumulating fatigue from both club and international commitments. He was reduced to 25 minutes in the Cardiff friendly and missed the Newport match due to fever. Head coach Gasperini has implemented a tailored recovery programme: Malen trained separately on Wednesday following a one-to-one consultation with the coach, completing ball work, shooting drills, and extensive running to close the fitness gap with his teammates ahead of the league opener on 24 August. El Aynaoui, also returning from international duty, is following a modified training schedule, while Evan N'Dicka, who did not feature in Copa America matches, requires no such adjustment. Loyal captain Lorenzo Pellegrini will rejoin the squad soon after missing pre-season through injury and rejecting offers from Juventus and Besiktas. He has agreed to accept a one-year contract at a reduced salary—dropping from €6 million to €2.5 million annually—in the hope of negotiating a two-year extension next summer. His initial demand for a three-year deal shifted to this more flexible arrangement, positioning Roma's rebuild around his leadership. On the transfer front, Molina is en route to the club, whilst the pursuit of Nusa remains on hold despite his public denial of requesting a move from Leipzig. Fofana of Lyon stands as an alternative. Right-back targets include Endrick of Real Madrid. Roma conclude their Welsh camp tomorrow before heading to Brighton for a friendly at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.

Jan Ziółkowski has opened up about his development at Roma during the club's summer training camp in Wales, highlighting the influence of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and Polish football legend Zibi Boniek in his growth. Speaking to SiamolaRoma.it, the defender reflected on a difficult early moment when he was substituted after 30 minutes on his starting debut against Viktoria Plzen in late October, calling it a valuable lesson: "Chiaramente è stata una sensazione molto brutta. Era il mio esordio e forse stavo cercando di strafare. Il mister cerca sempre di fare il meglio per la squadra e di vincere le partite e ha deciso di sostituirmi. Ma io l'ho accettato e l'ho messo alle spalle." Ziółkowski credited experienced defenders Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka with helping him settle and improve. He also praised goalkeeper Mile Svilar's reliability: "È una bella sensazione. È rassicurante sapere di avere alle spalle uno come Mile. Per me è un portiere di classe mondiale e rende anche il mio compito più facile." On Roma's return to the Champions League this season, Ziółkowski expressed excitement: "Sarà un'emozione unica giocare la competizione migliore al mondo, dove dovremo fare del nostro meglio. Ce la siamo conquistata meritatamente la scorsa stagione." He also discussed his ongoing communication with Boniek, saying the veteran "mi dice sempre di essere me stesso" and offers honest feedback when required.

AS Roma unveiled its new away kit for the 2026–27 season on 6 August, two weeks after the launch of the home jersey. The away shirt returns to white—a cream tone—after last season's orange, featuring a horizontal giallorossi band across the chest with the ASR crest at its centre. The design echoes the third kit worn in the previous season. The club shared images of squad members modelling the new strip on social media. Defenders Mancini and N'Dicka, midfielders Cristante and Wesley, forwards Dybala and Malen, and goalkeeper Vaz all featured in the photoshoot. The unveiling comes as Gasperini's Roma continues its preparation for the campaign ahead, having already debuted the home kit in competitive fixtures.

Gian Piero Gasperini cancelled a scheduled interview with Sky Sport on 7 August, declining to discuss Roma's transfer activity and the club's pre-season training camp in Wales. Instead, the coach held a meeting with Roma's ownership at their Hensol resort base, focusing on the status of ongoing negotiations. The gathering included CEO John Galantic and centred on contract renewals, inbound moves, and player departures. Two deals were discussed: Lorenzo Pellegrini has formally agreed to renew his contract for one season, but paperwork remains unsigned. The Molina transfer is reportedly agreed in all its aspects but awaits a final procedural step. Gasperini's decision to skip the media appearance reflects the urgency of Roma's summer business with less than three weeks until Fiorentina visit the Olimpico for Serie A's opening day on 24 August. The club needs to accelerate its market activity, and the coach appears determined to prioritise action over words. Roma departed Wales for England on 7 August afternoon. Fans will next hear from Gasperini after Brighton's match against Roma, though the reference to waiting for Godot suggests uncertainty around whether clarity will then arrive.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has made a significant gesture towards AS Roma by signalling his willingness to renew his contract, accepting terms for a single year—potentially with an option for a second year subject to certain conditions. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has been instrumental in keeping lines of communication open with the midfielder, consistently expressing his desire to continue working with Pellegrini in his second season at the club. The two remain in regular contact. Roma's board has long delayed formal action on a renewal offer, but is now prepared to present an official proposal to the player. As of the evening of 6 August, no official offer had yet been formally submitted. Pellegrini's willingness to accept a reduced contract term reflects his commitment to remaining in the Giallorossi colours, despite the protracted nature of negotiations over the summer. Gasperini's backing has been crucial to narrowing the gap between the club and its captain, signalling that Pellegrini remains central to the coach's plans.

Roma are prioritizing Lyon winger Fofana as their main left-flank target, with head coach Gasperini backing the Belgian's profile. Sporting director D'Amico is pressing ahead in the transfer market after securing defender Molina, but Fofana's €45 million valuation brings caution: he missed significant time last season following an ankle injury sustained a year ago. Medical reports are encouraging, though Roma want full clarity before committing such an investment. RB Leipzig's Nusa, another attacking option, faces a steeper path to a deal after the Norwegian stated yesterday: "I have never expressed the desire to leave Leipzig." Real Madrid have offered to loan Endrick to Roma, who want to include a buyout clause modelled on the Nico Paz arrangement. The Brazilian could operate anywhere across the attacking line regardless of any potential departure by Soulé. Pellegrini's contract renewal also remains a priority.

Konstantinos Koulierakis has settled quickly at Roma following his arrival this summer, already scoring in a friendly against Newport. Speaking to TeleRadioStereo, the defender outlined the key factors behind his decision to join the Giallorossi. "When Roma called me I didn't think twice. Roma is one of the most important clubs in Italy and has an incredible fanbase, a team that is performing well and always aims high," he said. Koulierakis credited fellow defender Manolas with influencing his choice. "We spoke during the summer and talk often on the phone. I explained to him how much I wanted to join a Serie A team, and fortunately Roma came and he told me it would be a very important step in my career," the Greek centre-back explained. Head coach Gasperini's tactical system was equally decisive. "One of the other reasons I chose Roma was for the manager and his style of play, because I think it is particularly suited to my characteristics, especially as a left-sided centre-back," Koulierakis said. He added that Tsimikas had spoken to him about the club and Gasperini's demanding approach, noting Gasperini's recent success in Italy and Europe with Atalanta. "I know it will be hard, but with a successful coach like this the foundations are the best," he concluded.

Kostas Koulierakis has made an immediate impact at Roma, scoring on his debut in a friendly against Newport on Tuesday. The Greek defender arrived only days ago and is competing with Mario Hermoso for a starting place in the back line. Koulierakis outlined his reasons for joining in an interview with Teleradiostereo 92.7. "When Roma called me I didn't think twice," he said. "Roma is one of the most important clubs in Italy and has an incredible fanbase. We're talking about a team performing very well and always aiming high." The 24-year-old revealed that Konstantinos Manolas, a Roma legend and fellow Greek player, played a key role in his decision. "We spoke during the summer and call each other often. I explained to him how much I wanted a Serie A club, and when Roma came in he told me it would be a very important step in my career." Gasperini's tactical approach was equally decisive. Koulierakis stated: "One of the other reasons I chose Roma was the coach and his system of play, because I think it's particularly suited to my characteristics, especially as a left-sided centre-back. I spoke with Tsimikas about the club and the manager and he explained how demanding he is, but we've all seen how well he's done in recent years in Italy and Europe with Atalanta. I know it will be hard, but with a successful manager like this the foundations are the best."

Konstantinos Koulierakis has joined Roma and reached the squad in Wales, allowing head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to complete his central defence options with six defenders available for three positions. The arrival marks a significant milestone in Roma's history: Koulierakis becomes the tenth Greek player to wear the giallorossi shirt since 1995. The first Greek to play for Roma was Lambros Choutos, who served from 1995 to 2000 without leaving a lasting impression. Traianos Dellas followed from 2002 to 2005, also a centre-back. In the 2005–06 season, goalkeeper Dimitros Eleftheropoulos arrived but never appeared in a match. The 2012–13 campaign saw Panagiotis Tachtsidis and Vasilis Torosidis both arrive; Tachtsidis, under Zeman, notably displaced Daniele De Rossi but lasted only one season amid controversy, while Torosidis, a reliable right-back, is remembered for a fine goal at San Siro against Inter in the Coppa Italia. Holebas, a left-back, also features in Roma's Greek heritage after scoring a notable goal at the Olimpico against Inter in front of the Curva Sud. Keramitsis made his debut in 2022 under Mou. The two most recent arrivals are Manolas and Kostas Tsimikas—one remembered eternally, the other already forgotten.