Hummels on decision to join Roma: “Totti and de Rossi.”

In his first official interview since joining the Serie A outfit, German footballing legend Mats Hummels has explained his decision to decide for AS Roma among many potential other suitors. 

Mats Hummels’ first official club-sponsored interview since signing with AS Roma on a free, 35-year-old German footballing legend Mats Hummels spoke on – after an entire summer of rumors – he ultimately decided to move to the Serie A for his first professional stint abroad. Hummels also explained why the decision took so long.

“I wanted to make a good choice,” Hummels noted in an interview published on Roma’s website, “And not find myself in a situation in which I be sitting down a few weeks or months later thinking that I should have waited longer. After leaving Dortmund following such a long tenure, I also needed time to recover.”

“I grew up following Roma as child,” Hummels continued, “especially [Francesco] Totti. I’m really happy to be here and be a part of this club.” 

Roma’s current head-coach might have been slightly to young to serve as one of Hummels’ childhood icons, but the 78-times-capped German international added that he liked the idea of serving under another former “Lupi” regular. De Rossi won the 2006 World Cup in Germany along with then Italian teammate Totti. 

“He’s a great guy,” Hummels said of his coach, “I already knew him as a player and heard so much about him before I even came here. My first impression is that he’s a likable guy who wants to see me work as hard as everyone else. He’ll get that from me.”