On Friday, the Bluenergy Stadium press room played host to managing director Franco Collavino and technical director Gökhan Inler for the press conference to unveil Oumar Solet, who as of 1 January, is officially an Udinese player.
Collavino:
“This is our first presentation as the winter transfer market opens. Solet is already a familiar face, having trained with us since September. He’s a great reinforcement for our squad, an essential player for the present and the future, brought in through proper planning. He’s a highly skilled central defender with significant experience in his career, including the Champions League with RB Leipzig and top-level training with Lyon. He has a fantastic profile and was on the radar of many big clubs, so we’re delighted to have secured him. He brings both technical and physical qualities. He complements an already well-rounded group of strong, promising players. I’m pleased to welcome him to the big Udinese family.”
“This is our first presentation as the winter transfer market opens. Solet is already a familiar face, having trained with us since September. He’s a great reinforcement for our squad, an essential player for the present and the future, brought in through proper planning. He’s a highly skilled central defender with significant experience in his career, including the Champions League with RB Leipzig and top-level training with Lyon. He has a fantastic profile and was on the radar of many big clubs, so we’re delighted to have secured him. He brings both technical and physical qualities. He complements an already well-rounded group of strong, promising players. I’m pleased to welcome him to the big Udinese family.”
Inler:
“Solet is a very physical player with significant experience in his career. He has given his all every day to get back in shape. It wasn’t easy for him to train without playing, but now everything is official. He’s ready and highly motivated. We often speak and we’ve explained how Udinese operates. He’s happy here. I wish him a great season and an outstanding career. We’re here for him, and I’m confident he’ll do very well.”
“Solet is a very physical player with significant experience in his career. He has given his all every day to get back in shape. It wasn’t easy for him to train without playing, but now everything is official. He’s ready and highly motivated. We often speak and we’ve explained how Udinese operates. He’s happy here. I wish him a great season and an outstanding career. We’re here for him, and I’m confident he’ll do very well.”
Solet:
“I’m very happy to be here at Udinese. I can’t wait to play. The past few months haven’t been easy, but I’ve worked hard and I’m pleased to finally be here with all of you. The club has shown faith in me and I’m eager to repay it on the pitch.
“I’m very happy to be here at Udinese. I can’t wait to play. The past few months haven’t been easy, but I’ve worked hard and I’m pleased to finally be here with all of you. The club has shown faith in me and I’m eager to repay it on the pitch.
“Many teams were interested in me, but it’s essential to understand who genuinely wants you and wants to build something with you. That’s why I’m here.
“I can play in any role in the centre of defence, including in a three-man rearguard. I’ve been able to watch many Udinese matches since being here. We have a strong team and can achieve great things this season. We’re in a good position in the table, especially compared to last season and I want to help the team as much as I can. I’m happy to be part of this squad and have been warmly welcomed.
“I feel in good shape, but not playing matches means you miss out on the rhythm. That’s what I’ll need in the coming weeks, but I feel ready and fit.
“We all share the same goals. Coming to Italy and joining a club like Udinese is a big step forward for me, and I want to accomplish great things with the team. I aim to be leader on the pitch that I know I can be and to help the club to the best of my ability. I’ll give my all to achieve that.
“There’s a big difference between the Austrian Bundesliga and Serie A, but I want to adapt quickly. I’m not sure if I’ll play tomorrow, but I’ll be ready if called upon.
“Having team-mates who speak your language is always a good thing. I also speak English, some Spanish and I’m learning Italian, so I can communicate with everyone. However, having someone who speaks French is helpful. Florian Thauvin is our captain, and we’ve talked a lot since I arrived. He gives me good advice and pushes me to do better.
“Italian football is one of the best leagues in Europe. I’m happy to be here, at a club that has given me a great opportunity. I can’t wait to repay the trust placed in me.”