“I chose AS Roma and I think I made the best decision” - Bryan Reynolds
The United States youth international will wear No 19 and during his first press conference he talked about his decision to join AS Roma over other clubs.
On Tuesday 2 February, Bryan Reynolds was officially introduced as an AS Roma player and he will be wearing No 19. The Italian side reached a loan agreement with FC Dallas for the United States youth international, but they are under contract to make the move permanent this summer. when the loan expires.
AS Roma has to pay 6.75 million euros with an additional 5 million falling due if certain performance thresholds are met. Reynolds will become FC Dallas' most expensive transfer in their history, at only 19-years of age. Reynolds gave his first press conference as a Roma player and he talked about his decision to join this team and not the other clubs that were interested in him.
“Me and my family were happy that a lot of clubs were interested in signing me, but I chose AS Roma and I think I made the best decision because of the development play. I am going straight to the first team and training with them every single day is going to benefit my development,” said Reynolds.
Excited to face Weston McKennie
A few weeks ago, Reynolds tested positive for coronavirus, but he has now been cleared and he feels he is in good shape to play this Saturday against Juventus. The United States youth international will train with the team all week and he hopes that he can play some minutes and face his friend Weston McKennie.
“I had no symptoms and right now I feel good and happy. I’m going to start training with the team tomorrow (Wednesday) and we will see what happens. Weston McKennie has shown that he is one of Juventus most consistent midfielders and he is putting up numbers since his arrival,” said Bryan Reynolds during the press conference.
MLS growing year-by-year
On 23 November 2016, Reynolds became FC Dallas’ youngest Homegrown Player to sign a professional contract with the first-team. He made his official debut in Major League Soccer on 19 May 2019 and had a breakout season one year later. His performances made several big clubs in Europe interested in him and now he has an opportunity to keep growing as a player with Roma in the Serie A.
“The MLS is growing year-by-year and I think it is a good league for young talents to grow. You need time to adapt to the professional level, because it is hard to play in a top tier league like Serie A or the Premier League. The secret behind MLS is that there are so many young Americans that are playing in Europe and that makes young kids want to play in Europe,” added Reynolds.