Merih Demiral is a new Atalanta player! As per usual, the defender gave his first words as a Nerazzurro after signing his deal. He already has clear ideas about his new team.

“I’m very happy right now because Atalanta are a great team and the fans as well. It’s a new opportunity for me that is also very important. I think this year with Atalanta is a new opportunity for me and it’s a big chance, so we’ll see.”

He’s young, he turned 23 on the 5th of March, but he already boasts important experience both in the Italian league and internationally.

“I’m young but I’ve also got experience, which is important. I can’t wait to work with the coach, as the coach is a remarkable person. That’s why it’s also important for me to be here.”

He has never worked under him but he already knows Gian Piero Gasperini very well.

“I’ve always heard that his training is very hard, but it’s important for me, as by training with him I can gain experience. I think he’s a great coach and it’s a big opportunity for me, that’s why I can’t wait to train with him from tomorrow.”

Demiral’s objectives are important and ambitious.

“My objective with Atalanta this year is to win a trophy, hopefully. I’ve already won Serie A, Coppa Italia and the Supercup but winning with Atalanta would be even more special. That’s why I’m hoping we can win a trophy.”

There are 15 days left until the start of Serie A TIM; Atalanta’s opponents in the Champions League will be revealed on 26 August, while there is time for the Coppa Italia, as Atalanta will enter the competition at the round of 16.

“The Italian league is difficult but Atalanta are a strong team, with a strong mentality, I think that’s important. Of course, the Serie A is long but we’ll see. The Champions League is also very important, it’s difficult to play in the UCL and it’s also special, but Atalanta have played in the Champions League in the last three years, that’s important for us.”

There is a new shirt to wear, new experiences to live, new goals to reach: the common denominator is to always sweat the shirt la maglia sudata sempre.

“This is very important to me. I’ve already seen it [on the shirt collar] and that is even more important for me because every time I play, I do that with character and giving my 100%, both in games and training. That is very important for me. I’ve always heard the fans here, they’re loud and we’ll see each other soon, I’m looking forward to the first game.”