Evan Ndicka reveals he felt ‘fear more than pain’ during his collapse against Udinese and outlines how he has improved at Roma under Daniele De Rossi.
The centre-back suddenly went down during last month’s Serie A match at the Bluenergy Stadium, suffering from breathing difficulties and chest pains.
He was stretchered off and then rushed to hospital after some worrying ECG readings, prompting both teams to suspend the match definitively.
It was later shown to be caused by a partially collapsed lung and Ndicka was given the all-clear from doctors to resume playing, starting in this evening’s 1-1 Serie A draw with Juventus.
“I feel good, everything is fine now,” he smiled on DAZN.
When looking back at that moment, he was asked what stands out the most and how aware he was of the warm applause from the crowd when stretchered off.
“I remember fear more than pain. I heard the Udinese fans, they were worried about me, everyone was worried and that meant a lot to me.”
How De Rossi developed Ndicka
Ndicka is one of several Roma players who have improved since De Rossi took over from Jose Mourinho in mid-January, so how has the coach transformed their approach?
“It is a totally different style of playing. We are more attacking now and I want to do more, both on and off the ball, as Italian football is new to me too.
“Daniele always told me in training, take the ball and go forward, go forward, now I do it more.”
Roma will now try to overturn their 2-0 first leg defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League semi-final, but it’s a mountain to climb on Thursday, especially as the Germans have just matched the world record 48-match unbeaten run.
“It will be difficult, but anything is possible,” assured Ndicka.
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