Things looked doom and gloom when Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho made it clear that Mohamed Salah was not part of his plans last season, perhaps a sign at the time that Egypt's starlet had failed in his first genuine test in elite European football. But the 23-year-old had a point to prove after moving to Fiorentina on a short-term loan deal last January, reminding Chelsea of his worth with some splendid displays that made him a Florence darling before his relationship with the club turned sour towards the end of his six-month stint. Salah is now ready to get going again, albeit with a new Italian side. AS Roma invested in the summer in a bid to end the hegemony of Italian champions Juventus, bringing in several players including Salah whose style of play perfectly suits a team that relies on the trickery of wingers behind a lone striker. This was evident in some pre-season friendly games, with Salah scoring two goals in as many games and creating two others in victories over Spanish sides Valencia and Sevilla. He opened the scoring in a 3-1 win over Valencia with a simple tap-in into an empty net after some good work from Ivorian forward Gervinho and was also on target in an exciting 6-4 victory over Sevilla, finding the net from a tight angle with a powerful shot with his weak right foot after holding off a challenger. His promising displays have prompted Roma's passionate fans to chant his name in the stands while Fiorentina's supporters have cursed him on social media after a contractual dispute marred his last week in Florence. Salah forged a fine partnership with the likes of Gervinho, Francesco Totti, Miralem Pjanic and new recruit Eden Dzeko, indicating a quick blend into a team renowned for their quick passing game under French coach Rudi Garcia. "I spoke to him (Rudi Garcia) when I was in London. He told me how much he wanted to have me in his team. I'll get on very well with him," Salah said after completing his loan move to Roma, who have an option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season. "My family and I had a great six months in Florence but that period is over now. I had the right to choose my future and that's why I'm here in Rome." Salah's marauding runs that exploit any defensive gaps as well as a proven ability in efficient one-twos should come in handy for Roma, whose last Serie A triumph was in 2001. "Juventus are a very strong side but I think my new team-mates and I can surpass expectations," he added. (For moresports news andupdates, followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand onFacebookatAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/138286.aspx
