First Team

The press conference to introduce Riccardo Pagano, midfielder for Cesena FC, took place on the morning of Tuesday, August 4. Inside the press room at Orogel Stadium-Dino Manuzzi, Massimo Agostini, a member of the Cavalluccio Board of Directors, introduced the new Bianconeri player, stating: “I am pleased to present Riccardo Pagano today, who has joined us on a permanent transfer from AS Roma, where he came up through the youth system. He then had stints with Catanzaro and Bari, during which he made over forty appearances in Serie B, so he’s a player who’s starting to get to know this league quite well. We’re happy to have brought him to Cesena, because it was a prudent choice, and we’re convinced we’ve brought in the right person at exactly the right time.”

After the Cavalluccio executive’s remarks, it was Riccardo Pagano’s turn to speak: “The last two seasons have been very different experiences, but both were very formative for different reasons. Naturally, I expect to grow in my third season, both in terms of personal stats and as part of the team: since we’re an ambitious team, I hope we’ll do well, but we have to focus solely on taking the field and doing what the coach asks of us, to keep improving game after game.”

“Roma’s youth academy is certainly one of the best in Italy, so developing within it has given me so much, including the experience I gained with the first team. Even though it was just a few appearances, spending the whole year alongside great champions and having Mourinho as my coach are things that give you so much in terms of experience and personal growth. That’s what has stayed with me, and, as I said before, training all year long with champions is a wonderful experience that I’ll certainly carry with me forever.”

“The Orogel Stadium is a beautiful stadium, where I’ve always played as an opponent. I’ve also played in the finals of the national youth championships here, and I’ve always seen and felt a very, very positive atmosphere. I’m happy that this year I’ll get to experience it with all the fans on my side, and I can’t wait to take the field for the first match against Sampdoria.”

“Leaving Roma wasn’t an easy decision, but I’m 100% convinced of my choice. My years in Rome were a wonderful experience, but I’m very happy with the decision I’ve made, and I’m sure it will work out well. I’ve found a group of great guys who’ve welcomed me warmly from day one, so the team’s unity will certainly be a key part of our journey.”

The full interview is available on Cesena FC’s YouTube channel: