Arizala and Mlacic unveiled to the media

Udinese's latest recruits, Juan David Arizala and Branimir Mlacic, were presented to the media at Bluenergy Stadium on Friday afternoon. Both are highly promising youngsters, perfectly in keeping with the Udinese philosophy.

 

Here's what they had to say:

 

 

 

“There were other clubs interested in me but I opted for Udinese. Various Colombian players have made history here and I chose Udinese so that I can improve as a player. I'm very happy to be here.

 

“Udinese have developed so many youngsters and they build for the future. I was won over by the club's plans.

 

“Obviously I'd heard of Udinese before because lots of Colombians have played here. I'm really happy to be at this great club.

 

“The club organises lots of activities for us youngsters and that really helps with the bonding. 

 

 

“I played as a winger in the past, then I evolved and played full-back and wing-back. I like both attacking and defending. Given my past, I do enjoy getting forward but I like defending too.

 

"One of my best skills is dribbling, which is important in the modern game and very useful when going forward."

 

 

“I don't have a particular favourite player, but I've always watched [Leo] Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two top players who have had phenomenal careers. When I was a winger, I really liked Neymar: he's an incredibly skilful player."

 

 

“I chose number 20 because when I started playing professionally I had 20 and I decided to keep it."

 

 

“I haven't spoken to the coach much yet but he's been very welcoming. I'm settling in. It's a long process. The coach told me we work intensely here and take things one step at a time."

 

 

“Udine is a nice city. There are a lot of things to see and the culture is different to my own. I like it here and I've been given a great welcome."

 

 

“There's lots of quality in the team and I'm slowly getting to know my team-mates. If I had to name one player who's impressed me, I'd say [Nicolo] Zaniolo. He's a fantastic player.”

 

 

 

“I chose Udinese because it was the right step for me to take. This club has a great history and lots of fantastic players have passed through here. I want to improve as a player and then look to the future.

 

“I'm only just arrived. I think I could play but I have to work hard to earn opportunities. I'm happy here. I feel good and I want to grow.

 

“Udinese is a very well organised club, a great club. I haven't visited the city yet but I will do soon.

 

“I don't know a lot about Udinese but I know the club has been in Serie A for over 30 years, so it has a big history.”

 

 

“My favourite player is [Josep] Gvardiol, a Croatian defender like me. He's strong and good on the ball. I'd like to be able to follow in his footsteps."

 

 

“I spoke to the boss yesterday and today and we talked about all sorts of things."

 

 

“My number is 22. It's the number I had at Hajduk and I wanted to keep it."