Roma fullback Cicinho admits he struggled to adapt to Italian football early into his move from Real Madrid.

The Brazil international revealed: "The biggest complication for my arrival in Rome was the change in the way to play. In Spain the thinking is to touch the ball more, here in Italy there is more physical contact and high balls.

"In the beginning this difference made things difficult, then I adapted.

"Now during this period I'm happy because I am playing. I'm happy to be part of Roma and I would like to complete my five-year contract."