Sergio Oliveira, the former Roma midfielder who spent six months at the club and won the Europa Conference League in Tirana, has endorsed Rodrigo Mora, the 19-year-old Portuguese talent who has arrived at Roma this summer. Speaking to Il Romanista, Oliveira praised Mora's undeniable talent and potential for growth, saying: "His talent is indeniable. He is still very young and has ample room for improvement, but he has already demonstrated those qualities and that character that suggest he has all the credentials to succeed at Roma."
Oliveira drew on his own experience to advise the young midfielder on adapting to life at the club. He emphasised the unique nature of Roma as an institution, describing it as more than just a football team. "You need to feel the club, the shirt and everything they represent," he explained. Oliveira highlighted the importance of building a connection with the supporters and learning from experienced teammates, noting that the Stadio Olimpico's atmosphere is unforgettable and can accelerate a young player's development.
Oliveira, who made 174 appearances for Porto before joining Roma, also reflected on his own time in the Giallorossi colours. He expressed deep affection for the club and its fanbase, and backed Roma's return to the Champions League, describing it as the level where a club of Roma's stature belongs. He praised head coach Gasperini as "a coach with very clear and demanding ideas" under whom young talented players can grow significantly.
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AS Roma have confirmed the permanent signing of Portuguese playmaker Rodrigo Mora from Porto for €25 million, with up to €2 million in performance-related bonuses. The 19-year-old arrived in Rome on 18 or 19 August, underwent medical tests, and has been assigned shirt number 86. Mora made 80 appearances and scored 16 goals for Porto's first team. Il Romanista reports the deal was structurally complex and nearly collapsed, with negotiations described as "clinically dead" before eventually reaching completion. Mora will earn €1 million annually rising, and has signed through 2031. According to Forza Roma, José Mourinho praised Mora as "one of the greatest talents in Portuguese football," while Sergio Oliveira, Roma's former Europa Conference League-winning midfielder, endorsed the signing and advised Mora on adapting to the club's unique culture. Mora expressed eagerness to work under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and cited childhood admiration for Paulo Dybala. He is expected to feature in Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina, likely starting on the bench.
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Testo Originale / Source Text
“C'è chi, partito dal Porto e arrivato alla Roma, ha già lasciato il segno seppur in pochi mesi. C'è chi, invece, dal Porto è appena arrivato con le stesse intenzioni, pronto a rimanere a lungo. Il primo è Sergio Oliveira: una vita al Porto (174 presenze, 39 gol e 24 assist), tre volte campione di…”
Read the full article in Italian at Il Romanista.