GOAL 

Stuttgart centre-back Antonio Rudiger has confirmed he is set to join Roma.

The 22-year-old has long been linked with a move to the Serie A side, having reportedly already undergone a medical in the Italian capital as Roma look to replace Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, who has gone to Lyon.

The Germany international is expected to join on loan initially for a fee of €4 million, though Roma will be obligated to buy him for another €9m after a certain amount of appearances.

And the defender, who spent two years in the Stuttgart first team, is looking forward to playing for Rudi Garcia's men, but admitted he was disappointed in all the speculation surrounding him this summer.

"Roma is a great team and in Rudi Garcia they have a great coach," he told SID.

"I don't know a single player whose dream is not to play in the Champions League. I think with Roma I have found the perfect club for me to get experience in international competitions.

"The last few weeks have not been easy for me because of my injury. I am sorry that in public it seemed like I was looking for a contract.

"The fact is, I never talked about contract stuff, that was important to me. I would rather have avoided speculation about it."