Zico: “I'm really looking forward to this new beginning”

C.D. Leganés presented this Tuesday Zico Buurmeester as the new pepinero player. The Dutch midfielder, proceeding from AZ Alkmaar, showed himself excited before his new stage as a blue-and-white player.

The football director of the club, Andrés Pardo, opened the act giving the welcome to the footballer: "To give you congratulations and the warmest welcome. Thanks for trusting in us. We are talking about a player with a very important trajectory, who we believe is going to add a lot to us."

"We thank him for having been so involved in the project from the beginning, since the idea started to forge. We hope that we are capable of minimizing the adaptation period to the maximum so that he can render from the first day as we expect."

On his part, Zico showed himself “very satisfied to arrive in Leganés. With a lot of desire to meet the players, the coaching staff, and see what this beginning brings us.”

ZICO: “I'M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS NEW BEGINNING”

Subsequently, the new player of C.D. Leganés responded to the questions of the communications media:

What you knew about Leganés: "I knew the nickname of the pepineros before coming here, I have also seen some matches from last year. I believe that the club is not where it should be, seeing the trajectory of the last years in LALIGA. I believe that we can reverse this."

Change from the Dutch First Division to LALIGA HYPERMOTION: "I think it can be compared with the Dutch First Division. It is a very long and competitive competition."

Change from a great season with AZ to leaving on loan: "One of the dreams I had was to play in LaLiga. I thought that I had to play with regularity and I saw this as an opportunity to play all the matches and this way be able to reach that objective that I have."

Expectations in LALIGA: "One of my objectives is to be a LaLiga player and I think that this is the right movement. In addition, I think that at this club there are many possibilities of promotion and therefore I come here excited."

Spanish level and the presence of Pauwels in the squad for the adaptation: "I already know some words in Spanish, but from the club they have offered me the possibility of having a teacher to help me. In the case of 'Benji', I have met him today, but surely he will be a great help for my adaptation."

Origin of his name: "My parents gave it to me in honor of the Brazilian legend Zico."

With which player you identify in terms of level and position: "With Pedri."

ANDRÉS PARDO: “ZICO IS A STRATEGIC SIGNING; FOR US, HE WAS A PRIORITY”

Subsequently, it was Andrés Pardo who responded to the questions of the press:

How long Zico has been on the radar: "A curious thing gives itself since we knew him from a long time ago. When we saw him those first times, for us it was a concept like out of the market, at that moment it was not accessible. I want to thank his environment for the work that has been going on during these months. When the real possibility already arose, because he is a lover of Spanish football, he saw himself playing in La Liga and he chose us having options from teams at a European level with the possibility of playing European competition. He has had a great value to trust in us and be here."

Exits of Miguel, Diego, and Duk: "It is true that the situations give themselves after both parties are in agreement with that situation. Of those three, which on top have been a transfer, it is true that Miguel's was already a bit outlined since January. With the other two, when the season finishes we always make a balance and doing those reflections we saw that in both cases the best was to have an exit that benefited both parties. I only have words of gratitude for the two. Duk sent me a very affectionate message and Diego is an example in values, very hard-working, professional, he has left everything for the club. He has had a very long journey and one must recognize it to him. I also take the opportunity to thank the rest of the players who have finished their contracts with us."

Theme of the goal-tending: "One has to deepen into the market, let these weeks advance. There are going to be changes in the goal as well. This is very changing. I prefer to speak about certainties."

Situation of Javi Hernández: "He is going to incorporate like any player who has been on loan and who returns now. Tomorrow he will be with the team. Starting from there it will be seen what happens in these weeks."

Signing of Zico: "It is a strategic signing, it was a priority for us. He is a very complete footballer, he develops very well in several positions. He is a very versatile player, of level. More arrivals will surely continue to give themselves, there is a lot of market ahead."

Pre-season: "We have to look for a balance. We are going to start the pre-season with more than 22 players, giving options also to some homegrown player who we are going to call to do the pre-season. The pre-season is long with several matches."