Italian side AS Roma have announced the signing of French-born Ivorian defender Evan Ndicka on a free transfer.
The 23-year-old joins the Europa League finalists on a five-year deal until 2028, following the expiration of his contract with German Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt.
Ndicka, who began his career through the ranks at French side Auxerre, moved to Frankfurt in 2018. He made 134 Bundesliga appearances, scoring ten goals, and was part of the team that won the 2022 Europa League title.
“The way that the project was explained to me along with this club’s history and prestige made me want to come to Rome, which is a fantastic city that loves and lives for football,” the defender said at his first interview.
“I can’t wait to take to the Olimpico pitch in front of my new supporters and make my contribution towards achieving our objectives.”
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#ASRoma— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) June 21, 2023
Roma’s General Manager, Tiago Pinto, also praised their new signing for his immeasurable experience despite being a youngster.
“Despite his young age, Evan is already a mature player with a wealth of experience from one of the most prestigious leagues and he also played a key role in his previous club’s European success,” he said.
“He was a particularly sought-after player on the international stage, so we’re thrilled that he has chosen Roma,” Pinto added.
Ndicka, who played for France at all youth levels, switched his allegiance to Ivory Coast, his mother’s country, and was handed a first call-up at senior international level this month but was eventually forced to withdraw from the squad to face Zambia in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers due to bureaucratic issues.
He becomes Giallorossi’s second summer signing and the second African signing this term following the capture of Algerian midfielder Houssem Aouar, and he has opted to wear the number 5 jersey.
