Roma's thanks to Monaco

Monaco goalkeeper Flavio Roma is in no rush to return to Italy.

Roma joined Monaco in 2001 from Piacenza after spending the bulk of his career playing outside of Serie A.

He has flourished in the Principality and is now part of Marcello Lippi's Italian national team squad.

But the 30-year-old does not feel he would have made the breakthrough with the Azzurri if he had not received support from Monaco.

"If I have joined the national team, it is thanks to Monaco - a club that allowed me to put myself on the stage on an international level," said Roma.

"In Italy, I haven't been able to find space. Unfortunately, our clubs have 'foreigner' policies and frequently, they prefer to give space to foreign players.

"They (Monaco) gave me faith and I've had a few results. We went close to winning the title in the past few years and I think soon we will win it."

Roma is under contract at Stade Louis II until 2008 but, should he leave Monaco, he would rather join another foreign club than return to his native Italy.

He added: "My first aim isn't to come back to Italy, but rather to stay with a club with international visibility.

"This can help me to remain in the Azzurri group, which I'm really keen on.

"I feel really good in Monaco, I want to win something important there and I have another three years' contract.

"Should I have to change, I would prefer another experience abroad."