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“It’s a step forward in my career”
Oier arrives with the desire “to compete and help out” because “we’re all sure that we’re going to get through this”
Oier Olazabal has no doubts about signing for Espanyol. In his press conference this afternoon, he spoke of his gratitude and confidence, as well as his commitment to his new club. “This is a step forward in my career” were his first words to the assembled media, and a phrase that he repeated 6 more times in the press conference. “I believe that this is a great opportunity for me. I’ve come to compete and help the team win points to get out of the situation we’re in. I feel very proud to have got the call from a club like this”.
He didn’t mention any goals aside from “competing and helping” and, referring to the club’s current situation in the league, said, “I’ve been here before in my career. Here it’s obvious that everyone is in it together, the fans are onboard and that people trust and believe in each other”.
He insisted that Espanyol “has all the ingredients to be a great club” and confessed “last summer they approached me but it wasn’t possible to get anything done. Right now, this was the opportunity that most appealed to me and was most convincing”.
He acknowledged the caliber of goalkeepers already at the club, Diego López and Andrés Prieto, saying “they’re two great goalkeepers” but says nonetheless, “I’ve come here with a lot of energy and desire. It’s like I’ve got my excitement back. Espanyol has shown a lot of trust in me and hopefully I’ll be able to keep improving and helping my new teammates”.
During the presentation, the vice-president Carlos García Pont explained that Oier had signed for 2 and a half seasons with the option to extend and paid tribute to the “something special about Espanyol that means that players of this quality want to come and play for us”.
Rufete pointed out that the club had worked flat out “In the winter market to create competitivity in the squad. I’m sure Oier will help us a lot, and help in the squad’s effort to achieve our goals”.