Our new signing Mateo García was officially unveiled at Rajko Mitić Stadium Media Centre on Monday.
Club's Director of Football Mitar Mrkela spoke addressed the attending media representatives and expressed his delight at the addition from UD Las Palmas.
"Mateo is a player with La Liga experience. He has also played in Segunda and in Greek Super League. He's had a great season playing on loan at Aris and was a target for a number of European clubs. We're delighted that he's chosen Crvena zvezda as his next club. He's a quick winger we've been looking for. He's also a responsible player when there's need to track back and help the back line. It's important for Vladan Milojević's system. We look forward to seeing him play in a red and white shirt."
Our new player spoke of his first impressions upon joining the club.
"I'm happy and excited to have joined Zvezda. I've been here for three days and everything is great. You can tall from minute one that this is a massive club. Of course, I'm happy to be a part of the team and I hope I'll be able to improve it and also grow as a player. This is a big step in my career."
We're preparing for an important match on Wednesday night in Berne with BSC Young Boys standing between us and another UEFA Champions League group stage campaign. García is eligible to make his debut in that game.
"I've got a great desire to help the team as soon as possible and to make myself an integral part of the team. I've completed the pre-season training at Las Palmas, but I'm not at 100 percent just yet. Still, I feel good and I believe I'll be able to help the team if called upon. Head Coach said to me that he will be looking to bring me on at some point, but I'll have to be patient and see what happens."
It was Vladan Milojević who was a major factor in Mateo joining.
"Everyone I spoke to had nice things to say about Crvena zvezda. I know it's a big club. I've spoke to the boss and I really liked what he had to say. It's the reason I've said yes. Olympiacos showed interest in me as well, but it was the people at this club who made me feel wanted. I want Crvena zvezda to play a major role in European competition."
García stated that he was impressed by what he’d seen in our Champions League matches versus FC Copenhagen and that he’s looking forward to playing with Captain Marko Marin.
"We’ve got some highly technical players here, players who love to keep the ball. There is a system here and a good team to make that system work. Everyone knows how difficult it is play in front of our fans at Marakana, but the boys showed that they can play well away from home as well. Marko Marin was immense. It will be a privilege playing alongside such a player. Hopefully we’ll develop a good understanding on the pitch."
Playing Belgrade derbies will be a special challenge for the former Instituto Atlético Central Córdoba star.
"Yes, Večiti derbi is huge. I’ve been told how important it is. I’m looking forward to being a part of that game because I love playing the biggest matches. It will be a new experience for me."