Adriano wants Roma success to overshadow the ‘bad times’

Brazilian striker Adriano has reiterated his desire to succeed in Serie A after signing a three-year contract with AS Roma.

The 28-year-old left his native Brazil to venture back to Italian football following a previous stint at Inter Milan. Adriano’s spell at the San Siro was marred by trouble off the pitch despite, him boasting impressive goal-scoring figures.

The striker described his return to Serie A with Roma as an attempt to “forget the bad times”.

“I want to get back to being what I was,” said the Brazilian forward.

“I have to work on the field and prove my worth. I feel happy, I made the right choice and I want to win now.”

Adriano, who played for Brazilian club Flamengo last season, went on to deflect claims that his fitness was below-par.

“I can tell you that in a month I will be close to the right physical shape”

The striker also believes Roma are a “great team” who can compete both domestically and in the Champions League.

When asked whether he was still suffering from depression by Italian reporters, the Brazilian confronted the sensitive issue head on.

“Rest assured I feel good now,” he said. “I did not have an alcohol dependency problem but depression.

“I felt sad and alone, then I went to Brazil, I grew as a man thanks to my family and friends.”