Zeki Celik says he's joined AS Roma to work with coach Jose Mourinho.

The fullback was signed by Roma last week from Lille.

Celik said, “Roma are a great club and I was really flattered that they wanted me so strongly.

“It's an opportunity for me to raise the bar. We all know the success that the coach has had and the chance to work with Mourinho is extra motivation.

“I always dreamed of playing in Serie A. Many clubs from different countries showed interest in me, but I thought Roma was the place where I could be happiest."

He added: “I consider myself stronger in defence than attack, so that's the area I need to work on and improve. I can play in a four-man defence or in a five-man midfield, the coach will make those decisions.

“My objective is to be first choice, of course, so I imagine a good rapport of rivalry with Karsdorp, who after all won a trophy last season. The fans will see a great Roma squad with a lot of quality."