Jhon Arias unveiled at Palmeiras, jokes about chats with Ríos | OneFootball

You like stirring things up, huh. Right off the bat. I think nothing has changed, Fluminense is a club I have great respect for and a history with, everyone knows that. But everyone knows football is dynamic. And Palmeiras was the club that gave me this opportunity, exactly what I need at this moment in my career, as I have many short and medium-term goals. I want to be a champion again, play in the World Cup. Palmeiras gave me that assurance, and everyone knows that out of respect for Fluminense, I turned down Flamengo’s offer. They’re a direct rival. But I’m happy to be here. Palmeiras gives me everything I need, to fight for titles, at the top level. A global powerhouse. A club where I can make the most of my time, and hopefully we’ll celebrate a lot at the end of the year.

I’m good, I think the difference in the seasons, in Europe it was halfway through the season, I’m in rhythm. As for that, Abel will know when the right moment is, the right time. I arrived today, haven’t spoken to him yet or to the squad. But of course, together we’ll determine the right moment. But I’m eager to be on the field and help. I’m in the right place. We’ll see when the best date for my debut will be.

Clearly, I think the interesting thing in life is to dream, and man, I’m really happy I fulfilled that dream. It’s not easy to make it to Europe at my age, for the amount I went for. It’s a dream fulfilled. I’m at peace with that. Clearly, it was a bit of a different context, for the club overall. But I’m calm, happy, it was six very good months there. It will serve me for the rest of my career. A bit more mature, it helps you grow up. Palmeiras is a club that provides everything to be a champion, always in the football spotlight. That’s one of my motivations

Well, hopefully by the end of the year Palmeiras will be four-time champions. Winning is always hard, I think it’s the biggest tournament in the Americas. Everyone wants it. Clearly, Palmeiras as a club, as a squad, as a whole, is very strong, for many years, showing the solidity of their work. I’m arriving in a safe environment, to contribute, knowing I have support, backing, I come with the ambition to win everything.

Man, we talked even more than we should have. He called me many times, a guy I have a good relationship with in the national team, he tried to show me what Palmeiras is like, as a player. He had a successful spell here. He called me several times, it’s a good place, where you feel wanted. He’s someone who did that job too, because he always helped me. He was always present in the negotiations. I trust him and he’s someone who helped and guided me here.

I’ve already talked to Abel during the negotiations, several calls. He explained things to me, I’m available. I play in several positions on the field. I’m here to help, wherever Abel decides. Ready to do my best.

I think they’re two different contexts, the top scorer at Wolves in the Premier League has two goals and I have one. It was a bad season, almost impossible to have a good individual performance, everyone has their responsibility, I have my share of that responsibility, but unfortunately my arrival there coincided with an environment that wasn’t ideal, but it was a big learning experience. I liked what I experienced there, but that’s something we’ll try to do differently here. But I’m still the same Jhon Arias, we grow, we mature. Palmeiras is signing me for the player I am, I’m confident I can add to the strong squad Palmeiras has.

Well, we had our first contact several weeks ago, Palmeiras was asking about my situation. They knew everything involved in the negotiation, and from Palmeiras’ side, they were very respectful, always respected everything. We took the negotiation game by game, round by round. Palmeiras made the first contact, but it was respectful, with my staff and family, we had this conversation about coming back, that it was the best thing for my career and we decided to return to Brazil, the negotiation happened, everyone knows what happened and I’m here. Very happy.

Man, unfortunately in the environment I was born in, I’ve been used to dealing with pressure since I was a kid. That’s the reality for 80% of players, who face pressure just to survive. When you arrive at Palmeiras, you know there’s pressure. And there has to be. You’re required to win, to get titles. That made me want to come to Palmeiras, I think the most beautiful thing in life is to wake up wanting to be in a better place, with a purpose. Palmeiras provides everything. They have a very solid project. I’m coming back to Brazil wanting to be a champion, to win. Our relationship fits.

It’s normal, you know. Like, the most important thing is a good pitch. Great conditions. In Europe, in England, you see the difference, it impacts football, which the fans deserve. So, man, there are many possibilities, nothing confirmed, but the most important thing is that we have the necessary conditions.

First, in the call with the president, we had something very interesting. They showed a lot of interest in us. They wanted to show what Palmeiras was about, I only knew the opponent’s side. What São Paulo is like, a new city. It was a conversation that made us very calm. The peace of mind that you’re going to the right place, being wanted. So, it was a very good conversation. Clearly, I don’t think there’s a player in the world who doesn’t think about the World Cup. There’s still time to get there, I talk to the staff, not just now, I’m always called up, it’s a staff we have a good relationship with. Clearly, they said, they know Palmeiras, so they said they think it’s a good place. To help me get ready for the World Cup. There’s still time, but yes, I want to be at the World Cup.

Regarding Abel, I think it’s good for him. To have that itch behind the ear. Very good. It’s something that motivates me, I need to earn my place. I’ve always been like that. At other clubs, I arrived and had to earn my spot. Palmeiras, with the squad it has, only helps you improve, you have good teammates, which helps keep the level high. It only benefits the club. For me, it’s great, that’s how a big club works. I have to earn my place, show it day by day. About the shirt, I publicly thank my teammate, he really surprised me. It’s a special number for me, in the World Cup year, the number I wear for the national team. He was very open, I said thank you, I know he’s a great player. And from what I know and the gesture he made, a great person. For letting me wear this shirt.

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