Egyptian striker Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' said he is ready to face the Serie A challenge after returning to AS Roma from an 18-month loan with Tottenham Hotspur.


"I refused the transfer to Blackburn, even though the money was higher, because I want to stay here and face this challenge," Mido was quoted as saying by Calcio Italia magazine on Tuesday.


Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' had an impressive spell at White Hart Lane but repeated injuries and weight problems blocked a permanent move to the Premiership side.


Although he was approached by Blackburn Rovers, Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' opted to see out his contract with the Italian capital side.


"I am grateful for this second chance with Roma. Compared to when I left in January 2005, I think the club has a different atmosphere," Mido said.


Ahmed Hossam 'Mido's optimism was even reinforced by coach Luciano Spalletti who praised the 23-year-old international.


"He is a motivated player, he must only settle down," Spalletti told Roma's official website earlier this week.


"I have seen Mido play few times and he's physically good and also very good at heading.


"We will try to give him a different preparation to allow him to enter with the rest of the team."



Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' also likes his new coach.

"Spalletti is a very good coach and he speaks a lot with his team. He told me that he considers every single player and judges us day after day," he said.


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