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Fernández: "I'm here to contribute"
The new loan signing is presented and ready for action this weekend
Álvaro Fernández was presented on Wednesday afternoon, following the confirmation of his signing for RCD Espanyol and a first training session with his new teammates.
The goalkeeper, who arrives on loan for the 2022/23 season, spoke to the media about his excitement with the move, stating that "I'm where I want to be. The initial enquiry to bring me here was made at the beginning of the summer, but there were various demands that prevented me from coming earlier. There were offers from other clubs, but it was an easy decision for me to make."
Fernández added that "this was an opportunity to be part of a wonderful, historic club. Everything came together for me to join. I didn't have any doubts. I see this as a chance for me to compete for a place and to get the minutes that I want."
The Spaniard explained that he is not concerned about fitness being an issue, and put himself forward for selection for Sunday's away game against Athletic Club.
"I feel very good, because I had an entire preseason with Huesca (his parent club) and I am ready to compete. I only played 45 minutes in a friendly this summer, but I've taken part in every training session. I'm available to the coach, and ready both physically and mentally. I hope to make my first appearance for Espanyol at San Mamés."
"I love competition," he continued. "It's very important in such a specific position like ours as goalkeepers. I'm here to contribute, and to make both myself and the other goalkeepers improve. I want to show that I'm the one who should be playing, but always respecting the coach's decision."
Both Mao Ye, CEO of the club, and Sporting Director Domingo Catoira praised the quality of Fernández and wished him well during his time at the RCDE Stadium.
The player closed by saying "I want to thank the club for the confidence that they have shown in me. There is a very ambitious project here, with a coach who will demand a lot from us. After a long, difficult summer, I'm very happy to be here."