At the presentation for his new Udinese experience, defender Filip Benkovic expresses his delight. "I am really happy and grateful for this opportunity. When the option came, I didn't think about it for a second. Even though I had difficult times in the last year, it shows this club really trusts and believes in me, which I am very grateful to Udinese for. I will do my best and work hard every single day to give the club back more than 100%.”
Commitment and loyalty to the club were emphasised several times during the presentation. "From my point of view, I think I owe this [commitment] to this club," says Benkovic. "They put faith in me when I wasn’t in the place I wanted to be, football wise. I am committed to the club and the people who put their trust in me and believe [in me].
“My goal is to give them everything on and off the pitch. Of course, my goal is to return to the national team, but first of all I want to enjoy playing football with Udinese because this is a great club to play for.”
The decision to come to Udinese "was simple, I knew that already there was the opportunity to play for this club when I was in Croatia. After one week or so, I've seen the organisation and how everyone wants to improve. In my heart, I knew this was a special moment of my life.”
Regarding playing with three at the back, the new signing is not worried. "I didn’t play that much [with] that system in the past, but it’s just about what the coach wants. I will just work to fit in any position in the three at the back.”
On his characteristics, Benkovic is quick to reply. "I like to play simple, switch the game with diagonal balls and try to stretch the game. There is lots of room for improvement and I’ll use all of the time in the training sessions. I think I can help the team with the headers, duels, so we can all be aggressive together in the game.”
When asked about his idols, the Croatian has no doubts: "Since I was a child I have admired Nemanja Vidic and Fabio Cannavaro. I was watching these players and just enjoyed how they played football and defended, [and] actually [the way they] read the game. Being on the pitch they didn't just do their job, they would see the danger in advance.
“Italy is very good for defenders to improve and learn, and to become a better version of yourself on the pitch because you have a lot to learn to help your teammates in the game. You have to make things easy for the players right in front of you, the midfielders and strikers, then it’ll become easier for the whole team.”