Roma manager Paulo Fonseca spoke with ESPN.com on the future of the club and one of their newest leaders, Chris Smalling.
"Chris is an extraordinary man, humble and professional. It's incredible how he's adapted, in a short time he became a leader in the locker room and loved by fans. His season is fantastic and I'll do everything to keep him at Roma for next year. I know that he would like to stay, too, so we'll see what happens."
"This summer we started with 15 new players, a new CEO, a new sporting director and a new manager. We're creating a new project and we're still at the beginning. I am very satisfied with the work done so far, we're improving a lot and I think we'll soon be one of the strongest teams in the league."
On Zaniolo: "Zaniolo is a natural and marvelous talent and this year he improved further. Before he was a wild man who followed his instinct, now he understands the game better and makes the right decisions. He's only 20 years old, I have no doubt that he'll be one of the best players in Europe in a few years."
On the impact of Totti and De Rossi on the club: "I never worked with Totti and De Rossi -- they left just before I arrived -- but I have no doubts about their deep love and passion for this club and I fully understand them. If I was in De Rossi's position, I couldn't even think of choosing another Italian club to end my career. Impossible. Just as I understand how Totti wouldn't want to work for another club in Serie A. Their love is too big, too all-consuming."
