Idrissa Gueye’s presentation press conference was held on Saturday at the Bluenergy Stadium press room. The player completed a move from Metz on the final day of the transfer window. The press conference began with a few words by Managing Director Franco Collavino and Technical Director Gokhan Inler. After that, the player answered the journalists’ questions.
Collavino: “We are continuing our series of presentations of Udinese’s new players. Gueye is an important signing for the club. He’s just 18 years old, but he already has very clear attributes: he is a fast, talented forward. We are proud that we have successfully brought him to Udinese, considering that half of the clubs in Europe had their eyes on him. It was only through excellent teamwork that we made it. I can only say that I am very satisfied and proud of this signing. He will do great things and will have an impressive career. Here at Udinese we are used to helping talented players grow, so that then they can continue playing for the club and then play on even more important stages. Idrissa, welcome.”
Inler: “I am very happy that a young talent like Gueye has joined Udinese. Ever since the day I met him I’ve seen a polite and focused boy. Half of Europe wanted him. We’re happy we were the ones to sign him. I am here to facilitate his path here and I welcome him to the club.”
Gueye: “It’s an honour to be here, I am ready to give it my all.”
“I received many offers, but then Udinese came along. I did some research on the club and I liked what I saw. I am here to learn and to grow. I made the right choice. I am ready to do anything I can to help the club reach its goals.”
“I like to run in behind, I'm strong in the air and also good on the ball. I am an all-round forward. Over time I want to improve to make an ever-greater contribution to the team. I received a very warm welcome; I understood that here they’re a family.”
“Before coming here, I spoke to my business team and they explained to me that Udinese is a club that would give me an opportunity to grow. Then I did my own research and accepted. Now Udinese is my family.”
“I am ready to play. If I could, I’d get on the pitch today.”
“I really like [Alexis] Sanchez, I saw that the number seven shirt wasn’t taken so I decided to wear my hero’s number. I used to watch his matches, I’d pick him whenever I played on my PlayStation, so it was an easy choice.”
“I draw inspiration from myself. I’ve always liked Cristiano Ronaldo because of his qualities and the way he trains, but I don’t have any heroes. Right now I’m only focusing on myself.”
“The training sessions are different here in Italy, there are high expectations from a physical point of view. I have to adjust, but I’m here to learn and Inler is helping me a lot. I really like this club and I will never get tired of saying that I will do everything it takes for the team, like every one of my team-mates.”