Mathew Ryan signs for AS Roma after leaving AZ and is given a sky-high shirt number

Mathew Ryan is officially a player of AS Roma. The Australian goalie, who decided not to extend his expiring contract with AZ, signs for one season with the option for two more seasons in the Italian capital. Ryan is assigned shirt number 98.

Ryan joining Roma comes as no surprise. Journalist Gianluca Di Marzio recently reported that the deal was almost done. Ryan also had the option to leave AZ for Derby County, just like Kenzo Goudmijn, but the veteran (32) is opting for his first adventure in Italy.

At first it seemed that Ryan would stay at AZ longer. The 92-time international of the Socceroos entered into talks with the Alkmaarders, who made him several offers. However, Ryan missed several deadlines and eventually director Max Huiberts decided to end the talks and go into business with Jeroen Zoet.

“I am very happy to be here,” Ryan said in a video message on Roma’s club channels. “I want to thank the club and the owners for letting me be here. I have already felt the support of the fans and I can’t wait to experience that more and more.”

Ryan is full of praise for coach Daniele De Rossi, who stepped in as interim coach in the middle of last season and has now been appointed on a permanent basis at Stadio Olimpico. “He has done very well so far. He has done very well in Europe and taken the team to the semi-finals.” In that semi-final, of the Europa League, things went narrowly wrong against Bayer Leverkusen.

“You can see that he is a manager who has a great career ahead of him. I am looking forward to helping him and the team achieve our goals for this season.” Ryan has high expectations for Serie A. “It is quite a tactical league. The best teams play in Italy and compete for European titles. I am looking forward to taking my experience to Roma.”

Ryan has a rich past in Europe. In 2013 he ended up at Club Brugge, who earned seven million euros from him two years later when he transferred to Valencia. Via Racing Genk, Brighton & Hove Albion, Arsenal, Real Sociedad and FC Copenhagen he ended up at AZ in January 2023. After 64 matches in Alkmaar service, his path now leads him to Rome, where he will become second goalkeeper behind Mile Svilar.

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