"RB Leipzig was the best decision for me!"
Ilaix Moriba meets the media | Press conference with the 18-year-old arrival from FC Barcelona
Ilaix Moriba is here! The 18-year-old was presented to journalists on Wednesday and answered the media’s questions following his move from Barcelona.
Ilaix Moriba on...
... His decision to join RB Leipzig:
- "I was convinced by RB Leipzig’s plan for me and young players. The vision to develop as a club while also bringing on individual players appealed to me.
However, it was very difficult to leave Barcelona; I have my family there. Despite that, RB Leipzig was the best decision for me."
... His first impressions at the club:
- „Today is a special day for me at my new club. The first training session was very good and I was received really well by the players and coaches. Overall, it was a really good first impression and I’m very happy.
I would like to thank Oliver Mintzlaff and Florian Scholz once more for their work. Without them, me being here wouldn’t have been possible. I’m really looking forward to my time at RB Leipzig, but now it’s time to get to work. At the end of the day, it’s about winning games and maybe also titles. That’s what we have to work towards step by step.“
There are no friendships on the pitch.
… Possibly facing Lionel Messi:
- "Of course, it’s any young footballer’s dream to meet Lionel Messi. Everything that he does on the pitch is incredible and you can learn so much by watching him. Off the pitch, he’s also a fantastic person who helps the young players a lot and always offers advice.
It’s not down to us whether we’ll play against each other in the UEFA Champions League, but of course there are no friendships on the football pitch. If it does happen, I’ll put give my absolute all to be successful."
… His style of play:
- "I’d say that my strengths are being a midfielder with the power to break through who also likes to get forward. I never stop running on the pitch. In terms of football, I think every individual player develops their own style. Over the past few months I’ve learnt a lot from Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong.
There is always potential to improve, whether it’s physically or in offensive and defensive aspects of my game. The important thing is to listen to the coach, because he works with me and helps me. I have to be ready to take everything on board in order to improve."
… His hairstyle:
- "The lightning bolt in my hair is a fashion thing. I had a bet with my friends and that’s how it started, and I liked the way it looked"
... Leaving Barcelona:
- "As a club, Barcelona will always have a place in my hear and I’m grateful for everything that I experienced and learned there. That past few months were very difficult, but they’re behind me now. I wish Barcelona and its fans only the best. I also wish the young players coming through all the best. I have a lot to thank the club for."