Transfer news: Southampton striker Pablo Osvaldo says he made the right decision to head to the Premier League after being forced out at Roma
Italian reveals he had received threats and insults from Roma fans which left him no option than to leave the club
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Your support makes all the difference.Southampton striker Pablo Osvaldo had admitted he has no regrets about leaving Roma this summer, having chosen to head for the Premier League instead.
The Italian joined Saints in a club-record deal worth a reported £15m, and he has expressed his delight at making the move having made his debut in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland two weeks ago.
"I was really looking forward to having an experience abroad and I believe I have made the right choice," Osvaldo told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I am happy in England and I feel good with my new team-mates and club.
"I still have to adapt and score goals but I am more than happy with my decision."
Osvaldo had been struggling for form in his latter stages with Roma, and accompanied with the side’s struggles in Serie A, he often received criticism from sections of the Giallorossi crowd.
Roma finished last season in sixth, missing out on Europe through their league position, and they made matters worse when they were defeated by arch-rivals Lazio in the Coppa Italia final – the last chance to qualify for the Europa League.
Osvaldo still managed to score 16 goals last term, having joined the Italian side from Espanyol in 2011, but he admits that he was given no alternative than to seek a move away from the Italian capital after his treatment from fans.
"I don't feel as though I'm in exile," Osvaldo said. "This was my decision even though Roma wanted me to go.
"I could no longer be at Roma and receive threats and insults.
"It's not normal to have abusive messages written on the walls outside your house, especially because I don't deserve them.
"The majority of the Roma fans were supportive and showed me affection but there were others that don't show support in the right way and fortunately, they are a minority.
"I just needed calm and tranquility and that is why I have chosen England. I have no regrets."
The striker is currently on international duty with the Italian national side ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Czech Republic tomorrow.
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