Iker Bravo, a Spanish youngster who was named Player of the Tournament at last month’s UEFA European Under-19 Championship, was unveiled to the media and fans today.
Franco Collavino was the first to speak at the press conference:
“It’s a wonderful and significant moment because we’re unveiling a huge talent, the best player at the U-19 Euros. Iker is only 19 but has already spent time at Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid. We’re so proud of this signing. We’d been after him for a while – it was a true Udinese-style operation.
"Iker follows in the footsteps of [Goncalo] Esteves, another promising youngster who joined this summer and [Jesper] Karlstrom, a player with great European experience. They’re all top footballers and are able to fit into the demands and style of coach [Kosta] Runjaic and the new philosophy we’re seeking to implement.”
Collavino’s introduction was followed by an intervention from Gokhan Inler:
“Welcome, Iker! He’s a top youngster who’s shown that he can do great things. I’d like to congratulate him on his European title success. Udinese are a historic club and we’ll always be there to help him along the way and to have a stellar career.”
New signing Iker Bravo then took centre stage:
“Before the Euros I was already clear in my head that I wanted to come here. Udinese are the ideal club for me and I’m delighted to have joined. It’s a place where youngsters can flourish and I want to make the most of all of the support during my journey.
“I don’t have a preferred position – I’ll play where the coach sees fit. I can play as a forward but also as an attacking midfielder and on the flanks. Ultimately I’ll do what I can for the team. I trained yesterday for the first time with the lads and I was given a great reception by everyone. I spoke to the boss and he told me to relax and play as I know I can.
“As soon as I found out that Udinese wanted me I was delighted. I knew about the history of the club and legends such as [Antonio] Di Natale who made history here, as well as guys like [Rodrigo] De Paul and [Juan] Cuadrado. When I found out I’d be joining i watched some of their games from last season. I can’t wait to get to know the club’s traditions, bed into the atmosphere here and learn Italian.
“This will be my first season in a senior team – I want to train as best I can and work hard for the team. I’m not thinking too much about whether the boss will start me in many games or not – I just want to help the team and my colleagues. I’m capable of finding goals as well as providing assists. As for a goals target, I’m aiming for as many as possible - I don’t know, 10 or 15.
“Fernando Torres was my favourite striker but as for idols I’d go for Cristiano Ronaldo. [Alexis] Sanchez? I remember him from his time at Barcelona – he was an inspiration. I think that if we were to play together he’d be a huge help for me and I’d learn a lot from a champion like him. I chose number 21 because I’ve always liked it, and legends such as [Zinedine] Zidane and [Paulo] Dybala also wore it.
“I’ve spoken to [Gerard] Deulofeu – he offered me advice. I’ve known him for a while, since my La Masia days, and I always watched footage of him. I hope that he gets back in action soon because he’s a top player.”