Keita +1 year with Roma

Seydou Keita has revealed that it was the "love and respect" shown him by AS Roma and the fans that convinced him to sign a new one-year contract with the club today. The Malian midfielder had plenty of suitors after impressing in his debut campaign with the Giallorossi last term but has opted to prolong his stay in the capital and is now looking forward to a successful 2015-16.

With the ink still wet on his new contract, we sat him down for a quick chat.

So you've signed a new contract with Roma today. This is what you wanted, right? You turned down a number of other offers.
"Yes, I did. I rejected some huge offers because the club and the fans here have always shown me so much love and respect. I'm at a very important stage of my career and I'm happy to sign on with Roma. It's true that money is important but at my age love and respect are important too. We're starting out on a season and I hope it's better than last year, both on a personal level and for the club."

It is a new season and yesterday was your first day back in Trigoria. What were your first impressions and feelings?
"Very good, like last year. We finished second but the club always wants to win and we players have to go one better if we want to improve on last year. We have to get up on a par with Juventus while competing with the other big teams like AC Milan, Inter and Napoli. Roma want to be right up there in the mix. It won't be easy but we have to do better than last season."

Now you're off to Australia on tour.
"It's a crucial part of our preparations because we have a long season ahead."

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