Adriano already feels at home at Roma

Brazilian international striker Adriano on Wednesday declared himself “very moved” after completing his transfer from Flamengo to Italian heavyweights Roma.

“I’m very moved to have been welcomed in this manner. I feel like I’m in Rio,” he said at a press conference during his presentation.

Addressing the club’s fans, he added: “I’m sure you’ll have a great season, right from the start, and I know you can go far. I’m aware of my responsibilities but I’m really very happy to be here in Rome.”

Roma, runners-up in Serie A last season, revealed earlier in the day that Adriano has signed a three-year contract tying him to the club until June 2013 and worth five million euros gross per year plus bonuses.

Adriano, 28, did not win a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad but enjoyed a superb return to form at Flamengo, scoring 35 goals in his 47 matches for the club and firing them to their first Brazilian title since 1992 last year.

The powerful left-footer’s career underwent a pronounced dip at the start of 2009, as he succumbed to depression following his departure from Inter Milan and struggled with alcohol problems after his father died.

“It’s with great emotion that I present a champion like Adriano,” said Roma president Rosella Sensi in front of more than 5,000 fans who came to the Stadio Flaminio acclaim the arrival of their new signing.