Evan Ferguson has spoken openly about the difficult period he endured over the past year, admitting he “lost a bit of confidence” before rediscovering form and belief during the early months of his Roma career.
The Republic of Ireland striker says he now feels settled both physically and mentally as his first season in Serie A reaches its halfway point.
Ferguson reflects on difficult spell
Evan Ferguson joined AS Roma amid high expectations but initially struggled to find his footing in Italian football.
After a patchy start in the capital, which included public criticism from head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, Ferguson admits the early months tested him.
“I’ve had some difficult times,” he told SportBible.
“I wanted to get back to myself at Roma and get back to scoring goals. I just want to have a smile on my face and enjoy it all.”
Confidence hit after injuries and setbacks
Ferguson’s struggles followed a sharp change in fortune after a spectacular breakout season in the Premier League. As an 18-year-old at Brighton & Hove Albion, he scored 12 league goals before injuries halted his momentum.
What followed was a long goal drought, compounded by a failed loan spell at West Ham United, where he did not score.
“I came in, started off really well and then had a few injuries,” Ferguson explained.
“I stopped playing and sort of lost myself. I lost a bit of confidence.
“It’s a difficult place to be in when you’ve gone from the highest of highs to those low points.”
Turning the corner in Italy
Ferguson’s breakthrough moment with Roma came in late November when he opened his Serie A account away to Cremonese. That goal was followed by an eye-catching brace away to Celtic in the Europa League.
In recent weeks, he has added further league goals against Genoa and Lecce, underlining a clear upward trend.
The striker believes patience has been key.
“It’s a completely different league with different play styles,” he said.
“When you come over, people expect things to happen straight away, but it just doesn’t work like that.”
Settled and ready to build
Now 21, Ferguson says the adjustment period is behind him.
“It has taken some time. There have been ups and downs, but now I’d say I’m pretty settled,” he added.
“I’m in a good place physically and mentally, and I know where my head’s at. I’m ready to build on what I’ve been doing.”
He also reflected on lessons learned away from the pitch, stressing the importance of blocking out outside noise.
“At the end of the day, you’re the only person who can make it happen,” he said.
International context adds perspective
Despite his club struggles earlier in the year, Ferguson still contributed three goals for Republic of Ireland during a chaotic World Cup qualifying campaign, scoring against Hungary and Armenia.
Injury ruled him out of November’s dramatic international window, when wins over Portugal and Hungary propelled Ireland into the playoffs. During that run, Troy Parrott seized his opportunity.
Watching the decisive win over Hungary from a bar in Rome, Ferguson was generous in his praise.
“Looking back, it was probably one of the best international campaigns anyone has ever had,” he said.
Key insights
- Ferguson admits confidence dipped during a long goal drought
- Injuries and a failed loan slowed his development
- Recent goals signal a clear upturn in form at Roma
- The striker now feels settled physically and mentally
- International competition has added motivation, not resentment
What’s next
With confidence restored and goals returning, Ferguson’s focus is now on building consistency in Serie A and pushing Roma forward in the second half of the season.
For a player who has already experienced extremes at a young age, the challenge now is turning this recovery into long-term momentum.
Has Evan Ferguson finally turned the corner at Roma — and could this be the platform he needs to fulfil his early promise?
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