Otávio on moving to Paris: “I feel the pressure of being the priciest” | OneFootball

Brazilian Otávio Ataíde, a former FC Porto player, was one of Paris FC’s main summer signings and acknowledges the strong investment made by the French club.

The deal for the 23-year-old defender was completed for 17 million euros, potentially rising to 20 million depending on performance-related objectives.

“I was Paris FC’s most expensive signing. I carry that weight. They offered me a project in which, a year from now, the club will be on a much higher level than it is now. Other players will arrive to help. They also said that Paris FC aims to reach a European competition and that they’re building a squad for that,” he began by saying in an interview with Globoesporte.

“I see the responsibility they’ve given me. I carry a big weight in that, but it’s a very good weight. The way they welcomed me made me comfortable to do my job in the best way possible, it’s incredible,” he added.

According to Sofascore, Otávio leads Ligue 1 in defensive actions, with 46 tackles in just five matches.

As for adapting to Paris, the defender noted that he is still learning French but feels well received by the group.

“Because of the way the group welcomed me, the way the people at the club welcomed me, they made me feel important… I don’t speak French; I understand some things. I feel a bit constrained, but I’m in the adaptation process and I’m dedicated to learning,” he shared.

Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp has played a key role in Otávio’s integration, helping with translation and adapting to the locker room.

“He speaks Portuguese and his girlfriend is Brazilian. He’s been helping me a lot, translating what the players or the coach say. We have a stronger connection. When I arrived, I was alone, without knowing anyone, and I spent time isolated in the locker room or the cafeteria. I stayed like that for about a month, until Kevin arrived.”

Paris FC, which returned to the top flight almost 50 years later, has ten points from seven matches—three wins, one draw, and three losses—and sits in eighth place. The capital’s team plays again on Sunday, against Lens.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.