Santiago Giménez: “I’ve always played for big clubs, FC Porto too” | OneFootball

Santiago Giménez is FC Porto’s new signing and has already spoken as a Dragon

FC Porto have officially announced the signing of Santiago Giménez, who has already given his first statements as a blue-and-white player. According to the club, an agreement was reached with AC Milan for a one-season loan, with a purchase option clause that could become mandatory, worth €18 million, plus a further €2 million in variables.

“I’m very happy. My first impressions are fantastic. I’ve already seen the Dragão Stadium and the city, and I was very impressed. I’m delighted with what I’ve seen so far, and it’s only the first day,” said Santiago Giménez in comments to FC Porto’s media channels.

The Mexican forward also outlined his main qualities as a player:

“My main strength is scoring goals. I really love the feeling of letting the fans celebrate goals, and I focus a lot on that. Besides that, I’m a quick, powerful player who really likes to run in behind the defence.”

“It was a very important decision, because I want to keep writing my own story and to feel important. Throughout my career, I’ve always played for big teams, and FC Porto is another one of them. This is a step that will add a lot to my journey. I really want to build great chemistry with the team and with the fans so I can keep growing and win more trophies. It’s very good to be here,” he added.

Giménez also highlighted the importance of the “flame lit” in FC Porto’s spirit:

“The team spirit is something that really impresses me. I have a motto, which is to always play with the flame lit. That’s how I see FC Porto. As a family, as a team that trains and plays with the flame lit at all times. From the first conversation I had with former teammates who play here at FC Porto, they all told me that the team is a family and that people like players to give everything on the pitch, even more than just scoring goals. I want to give my life for FC Porto, I’m going to leave everything on the pitch, and I want to make the most of this great opportunity I’m being given.”

“I had the chance to speak with many former teammates who spent time at FC Porto. The first was Inbeom Hwang, who is currently part of the squad. I also spoke with Eustáquio, with whom I played at Cruz Azul, with Igor Lichnovsky, who is a great friend and also played here, with Miguel Layún, with Jorge Sánchez and with Héctor Herrera. At AC Milan I was coached by Sérgio Conceição, so I have many indirect ties to FC Porto, and they all told me the same thing: that it’s an incredible team, that the city is fantastic and that the people are wonderful. So when FC Porto called me, I didn’t think twice and told my agents that I wanted to come,” he explained.

Dragons’ new forward also spoke about Francesco Farioli:

“I had the opportunity to speak with him at a certain point in the negotiations, and he assured me that he wanted me in the squad. He told me something very important: that this is the best group he has ever been part of, that it is a real family. That is very important when making a decision. I only want to add something to this group, and I want my teammates to know that they now have one more brother in the family.”

Finally, Santiago Giménez left a message for FC Porto’s fans:

“I want to tell the fans that they are going to see a Santiago Gimenez who will give everything for this club, who every time he plays will always have the flame lit. Together we will achieve important things.”

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