Zappacosta makes Chelsea confession, reveals how Emerson, Rudiger influenced his AS Roma move

Davide Zappacosta has revealed how his move to Chelsea has improved him as a person and player, adding that the former AS Roma duo, Emerson and Rudiger, told him about the Gillorossi and their fans.

The Italy international was signed at the request of Antonio Conte in 2017 but struggled under Maurizio Sarri and was not in Frank Lampard’s plans.

The defender clinched the deal after agreeing to extend his contract at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2022.

“It’s true that I feel like I’ve matured as a person,” he said as cited by Football Italia.

“It’s not easy to go and play outside of Italy with another language and culture, but it certainly helped me a lot because I went through some difficult times.

“Today I had my first training with the team, I feel good. At Chelsea we had the same intense training sessions.

“I have to get my sharpness back as I haven’t played much lately, but I feel good. I don’t think I’ll have any problems getting my sharpness back.

“I talked to Emerson and Rudiger. They told me the fans could push you on and that I’d enjoy playing for them.

“I immediately found what they told me to be true. Of course, we’re aiming to do the maximum in every competition. We’ll do our best to achieve as much as possible.”

The 27-year-old has 13 caps for Italy but has not played for his country in 11 months…

“I think a player should make the best choices for their career. I’m happy to be back in Italy with more experience and the national team is my objective.”

Photo Credit: Twitter @ asroma.com