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“We have to wear the shirt with pride“

Keita Balde has settled in and knows what it takes to succeed after his summer arrival

Back from injury and back on the pitch in the blanquiazul shirt, Keita Balde is looking forward to building momentum in the coming weeks.

Having arrived on loan in September to then spending a few weeks on the sidelines, the forward has made two substitute appearances as he builds back to full match fitness. Speaking ahead of Friday’s important clash with Leganés, he is looking forward to getting back into his stride.

Balde said, “I came here with a lot of desire and enthusiasm and that hasn’t changed. I am happy with how the Club has welcomed me, both inside and from the fans. All this confidence they give me is what I want to give back on the pitch, with my hard work and my goals”.

He points out that, after the injury, “I am still getting back into the competitive rhythm. I arrived after a period of unrest, and I am still focused on giving 100 percent of my work to the team. When we put on the shirt we have to wear it with pride and each one of us must give our all”.

Regarding Friday’s match next Friday, he said, “It will be a difficult match. We are preparing well and working with the coach, and I have a lot of confidence”.

Espanyol also discovered their first round opponents in the Copa del Rey, fourth-division side CD Mensajero from the island of La Palma. On the draw, Balde commented, “This competition is never easy, it is played in a single match so everyone wants to win and prove their worth. There is no easy match, so we must be focused”.