"RB Leipzig and I are a 100-percent fit!"
Olá! André Silva has arrived in Leipzig | His first week as a Red Bull | The Portuguese attacker speaks to the media about his first impressions, ambitions and private life
Academy tour, team speech, apartment hunting, first training session - exciting days for RBL new signing André Silva. The Portugal international visited his new place of work for the first time on Tuesday, picked up some training kit and a club car, before getting to know the coaching staff and some of his new teammates. The attacker wants to make himself at home in Leipzig quickly: Apartment viewings followed promptly.
The 25-year-old took to the pitch for the first time on Thursday: he completed the warm-up with his teammates before an individual training session with fitness coach Kai Kraft. On Friday, he was then fully integrated into team training, giving his speaking to the media for the first time. It's official: André Silva has arrived in Leipzig.
André Silva on ...
... his first few days at RB Leipzig:
"I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for the warm welcome. My first impressions of both the city of Leipzig and the club are extremely positive. The atmosphere here is very pleasant and I have been very well received. I have already met the coaching team, some of my teammates and the rest of the club staff - I get the impression of a very good relationship and I am very happy to be here now.
I can also feel very comfortable away from the training ground. Leipzig seems like a great city. But the most important thing is to get things going well on the pitch and get on good terms with my teammates. Then the feel-good factor takes care of itself."
... the role of Jesse Marsch in the transfer:
"Jesse Marsch contacted me very often during his holiday and called me a lot. We talked about his ideas and style of play and of course, he laid out to me how he would involve me and what his what his ideas were for my role within the team. It was a good exchange with the head coach and was definitely one of the factors that led to me choosing to come to RB Leipzig.
But also the club management showed me clearly during the negotiations that we, the club and I, are very similar. We have great ambitions and want to develop continuously. To develop as a person and as a footballer is the most important thing for me."
... the RBL DNA:
"I want to adapt myself here as quickly as possible and always give my best. RB Leipzig's attacking style of play suits me very well. I think I can make a really good impact for the Red Bulls. Thanks to a lot of possession, we'll be able to create goal-scoring opportunities often - and of course I hope I can contribute a few goals myself."
You can do anything! RB Leipzig’s motto matches my way of thinking one hundred percent. You should never set yourself limits.
... his goal threat:
"I always set out to do my best. But of course, I first have to settle in to what is a new city for me, in a new club with new teammates and a new mentality. There's a lot of work to be done before I can think about another 28 goal Bundesliga season, and I want to tackle it head on. I want to continue to improve and the result at the end of the season will depend on that."
... ambitions of winning the title:
"You can do anything! RB Leipzig’s motto matches my way of thinking one hundred percent. You should never set yourself limits and always try to do your best, to achieve the best possible outcome. I don’t want to set myself any limits when it comes to goals."
André's first training session as a Red Bull
... hobbies away from the football pitch:
"My favourite thing to do in my free time is spend it with my family. I enjoy riding the bicycle and especially in the early days here, I’ll wander around the city and get to know some new places in and around Leipzig. Aside from that, I sometimes play one or two video games."
... his performance at the European Championship:
"Of course, every footballer wants to play at such a big tournament. But even without a lot of playing time, it’s a huge honour to have been there. It was of course sad that I didn’t get much time to play; I’m a very ambitious person. The experience helps me to remain motivated and carry on working hard."
... his hero, Cristiano Ronaldo:
"Cristiano Ronaldo stands above all the footballers in the world. He has had an unbelievable career and still continues to deliver strong performances. It's very special to be able to play with him on the Portuguese national team. If I'm anywhere near as successful as him at some point, it would make me very proud. But I'm trying to write my own story."