Jakub Piotrowski and Saba Goglichidze were unveiled as Udinese players at a press conference held at Bluenergy Stadium today, with managing director Franco Collavino, sporting director Gokhan Inler and group technical director Gian Luca Nani in attendance.
Collavino gave a brief opening speech.
“Today we're welcoming two players who have already played for Udinese, against Carrarese. One is young and the other older but both have acquired a lot of experience with their former clubs.
“Jakub brings quality, physicality and expertise. We think his addition will give the team more solidity and maturity.
“Saba has already had a full season in Serie A and he's in the Georgia set-up. He's a pacy defender with great potential but I think he can give his a big hand already.”
Nani explained the thinking behind the signings: “Jakub was exactly the sort of player the coach wanted. From our very first meeting, Runjaic mentioned him as the perfect player given the attributes he was looking for.
“Saba is an excellent player too: he's young and has some great qualities. We welcome him warmly.”
Inler spoke about the players' impact on the dressing room.
“I'm with them every day and I can tell you they're two players who both want to give their all for this club. They're already experienced players and they're very keen to improve. I hope they have a great season.”
The Polish midfielder and Georgian defender then took the floor themselves.
“Knowing the coach was a decisive factor," Piotrowski revealed. “He painted a really positive picture of the club to me. I know I have to give me all every day and in every match to help the team. It's never easy settling in to a new dressing room but here I could sense this a very positive energy from the start. This sort of atmosphere will be good for my development
“There are lots of top-quality midfielders here and I hope to help out with my own skill set. One thing I'm good at is chipping in with goals. I've done a lot of work over the years to make the most of the chances I get and it's an area of my game I've improved a lot. That said, the team goals always come first – my personal targets take second place.
“When I was young, my idol was [Frank] Lampard.
“I chose No.24 because my favourite number was taken, but 2 and 4 make 6, which has always had a special meaning to me.”
Goglichidze expressed his joy at making the move to Udinese, following a breakout season at Empoli last year.
“Last year was my first season in Serie A and I feel I've moved up a notch now. Everyone here is helping me and we work really hard. I felt a strong energy in the dressing room and hopefully I can do my bit to help the team.
“I played against Udinese twice last season and it seems incredible that I'm here on the other side now. I'm delighted to join this great club – it's a huge step forward in my career.
“My best position is in the centre of a three- or four-man defence but I'm happy to play anywhere.
“Sergio Ramos is my idol: I love his style and his mentality. He's one of the greatest defenders.
“I'm the first Georgian to play for Udinese and I want to make my fellow Georgians proud.
“I picked the No.2 jersey because it's the one I've always worn.”