Enzo: I didn't hesitate when Manchester City called; Maresca made huge efforts

After joining Manchester City, Enzo gave an interview in Spanish to the club's official channel as a Manchester City player.

Enzo, first of all, congratulations on joining Manchester City. Everything was finalized at the last minute. So, I'd like to ask you, how are you feeling right now?

Thank you very much. Honestly, I'm really happy to be here. I've always dreamed of joining a great club like Manchester City. I'm grateful for this opportunity. This is a very exciting moment for me and my family. To take this step at 25, towards the professional football career I've always dreamed of, and to be here enjoying my first few hours at the club, I'm extremely happy. I've already felt the greatness of this club, and we will enjoy it together and win many honours together.

Manchester City has been the most dominant team in England for the past 15 years, winning countless trophies. For your age, your career has already been very remarkable. To what extent did this influence your decision to choose a club that is essentially built to compete and win?

Honestly, from the day they trusted me and called to say they wanted me to join the club, I didn't hesitate for a second. As you said, this is a club that has won many honours in recent years. This is a club that is writing history in football, and for me, it's a huge challenge to be here, help the club, and continue to win honours together. Since they contacted me, this has been my goal, to come to this club, because I know we will win many titles together.

Why did you choose the number 17 shirt?

It doesn't have any special meaning, but I have a strong belief in God. I read the Bible, and during the transfer, I was reading the Bible, and a verse deeply touched my heart, so I felt that this was the right direction.

The team roster has changed a lot this summer. How do you view this team? How did the team come together this season?

Yes, I see many new signings joining the team, and many players have also left. The team we have, the strength we possess, everyone can see it. I haven't had the chance to participate in training yet, but I've been watching their games on TV. Honestly, the squad Manchester City has built this year is incredible, and I'm happy to see the team moving in this direction.

Do you think this team can win those major trophies this season?

Yes, obviously, Manchester City must compete for every trophy we are involved in. In every competition we participate in, we must compete and win, because the history and legacy of this club demand it.

You know Enzo Maresca very well. Here at Manchester City, we all like him very much. How would you describe him as a head coach and as a person?

Honestly, he's a top coach. He was my head coach at my previous club. That was an incredible time. I learned a lot from him. He's very passionate, very much like a Latino. So, it's an honour to work with him. I'm also very grateful, because he played a crucial role in me coming here. So, it's a great honour for me to work alongside him and enjoy it.

It's clear he trusts you very much. You've worked together before, and he really wanted to bring you here. What kind of conversations did you have about this transfer in recent days?

Honestly, both of us were very eager for this transfer to happen, because it wasn't easy for me to be here today. But I know he also put in a lot of effort to communicate with the club, and I'm grateful for everything he did. Those days were long, but eventually I came here, and I'm very happy to join this club.

Enzo Maresca's assistant is also Argentine, Willy Caballero, and you've also worked with him. Did he in any way help or influence you, convincing you to come here?

I've talked to Willy many times, yes, we've always kept in touch. I have a very good relationship with him. He always sends me messages, asking how the transfer is going, whether I'm coming. Yes, as I said before, I'm happy to be here and work alongside them again.

You were only 21 when you won the World Cup in 2022. That was a great moment, and the whole world really started to see your talent. How did you get through that period?

That was a very special period in my life. I had only played a few times for the Argentina national team, and then I went to the World Cup and had the opportunity to represent my country, my people, and my family. It was a huge honour, and then everything naturally unfolded. I'm very happy and grateful to have won that trophy, which will always be historic. These are moments in my career that I will never forget, and they will always remain in my heart.

You've played in Argentina, Portugal, England, and you've already made 49 appearances for the Argentina national team. You've experienced different football styles. How do you think these experiences have shaped your current playing style?

Yes, I've accumulated many experiences in Argentine football, in Portugal, and now in the Premier League. When I first came here, the physical aspect was very difficult for me in the first year, but I kept learning, and over time, I gained experience, and now I feel much more prepared. I have more experience, and obviously I've also put in a lot of work behind the scenes. I do extra training and preparation to ensure I'm in the best possible shape for matches, and that has helped me a lot to achieve what I have today.

You are a very complete midfielder. How would you describe your main strengths? What do you think you can bring to the Manchester City first team?

My main strengths... I really like to have the ball and combine with teammates. I am a versatile midfielder. I can defend, attack, provide assists and score goals, but these are all aspects I've been working on throughout my career.

This club has a deep connection with Argentine players, such as Tevez, Zabaleta, Agüero, Demichelis, Otamendi, and Julián Álvarez. With all this legacy, what is Manchester City's image in the eyes of Argentinians?

Honestly, many great Argentine players have played here and made history, like Julián, Otamendi, and those you mentioned. Manchester City is one of the top clubs not only in Argentina but worldwide, and everyone sees it that way. Even more so in Argentina, because so many Argentine players have played here. So for me, it's an honour to be here, give 100% every day, and lead the club to even greater heights.

Finally, Enzo, what would you like to say to the Manchester City fans?

I want to thank them for their welcome. To be honest, I feel at home here, which is very important for a player to build confidence. I want to tell them that I will give 100% in every training session and every match, every day, to help this club achieve all its goals this season, win many trophies together, and enjoy it. Thank you all very much.

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