French footballer Jimmy Giraudon was officially presented as a pepinero player this Wednesday. The defender, who arrives on loan from Troyes, expressed his gratitude for the club's interest and his desire to show his quality on the pitch.
The club's sporting director, Txema Indias, first spoke about the this window's departing pepineros: "I want to take the opportunity to say goodbye, because we didn't get the chance, to Doukouré, Sabin and Tarín. Cheick was only here for a few months but he made a great impression so I want to thank him; he's been an example every day and I wish him only the best. Sabin and Rodri have been with us for years and have helped us grow as a club, pushing through the years in Primera and Segunda. They've given us a lot on the pitch, but also personally. They are two people who have added so much to the club in that time".
He went on to discuss the new arrival: "Jimmy is a centre back who has spent all his time in France, right from the youth divisions to the top flight, where he has been save for the last few weeks. He's very resourceful on the ball; he can contribute to our advance as much as our defense, and he's shown his desire in coming to Spain and wearing the badge by leaving his country professionally for the first time".
"I'm here to show that I can compete in Sapin and that I'm a good player"
Giraudon began his piece by thanking the club "for how they've treated me since my arrival. I really wanted to come here and what I want even more is to join my teammates and show what I can do on the pitch. I'm a centre back who can play CDM, one of my traits is moving the ball out, and I believe my style of play is well-suited for Spanish football, which is more technical than in France, so I want to demonstrate that".
The defender does not perceive the move from Ligue 1 to LaLiga SmartBank "as a step backwards. I'm very happy to be here. I've followed Leganés over the last few seasons; it's a big club in Spain and I'm here to show I can compete and that I'm a good player. I had the chance to speak with Nafti and he told me he likes the way I play. The tactical discussion is something we will have in the week, but he's also one of the key reasons why I'm here".
Jimmy promised to "make the effort to learn Spanish soon, although I've got a few teammates who speak French, which will help me for the first few days". He concluded reassuring that he has "played in a back line of four or five, but I'll adapt whatever the system and I'm familiar playing both ways with my old club".
