Officially, Jeremy Mathieu, who has become a Barcelona footballer, shared his first impressions with the media.
The 30-year-old Frenchman was literally "extracted" from the plane by the Catalan club.
Last Thursday, J. Mathieu, along with his teammates from Valencia, was on the way to South America, where the "bats" were supposed to play friendly matches. As soon as the plane landed in the Spanish capital after flying from Valencia through Madrid, the footballer was told that he would not continue with the team. At the last minute, Barcelona agreed to pay the 20 million euros requested by Los Che.
At the press conference, the Frenchman admitted that negotiations between the two clubs were indeed difficult.
"Both sides had difficulty negotiating the details of the transfer, but secretly I hoped that an agreement would be reached. I worked very hard to be able to play for Barça, and now I am happy that this goal has become a reality. Perhaps it happened a little later than I wanted, but I am full of strength and desire to achieve victories," - assured the newcomer of the Catalan team.
The player also noted that the move to Barcelona is undoubtedly the most important event in his professional career.
"I did not hide my desire to play in Catalonia. Barcelona is the best club in the world for me, so I think this is the most important decision. I am ready to give my all and thus repay the trust shown in me by the team's leaders and coaches," said J. Mathieu.
For the Frenchman, the task at Barça will not be easy - to fill the gap in the defense center after long-time club captain Carles Puyol left the team and ended his career.
J. Mathieu acknowledged understanding the responsibility that will be placed on his shoulders, but noted that he does not feel pressured: "Carles is a great player, a team leader, and it is very difficult to replace such players with equivalents. I understand perfectly well what the coaches and team fans will expect from me, but I will fight."
fcbarcelona.lt
