Iker Bravo, the Spanish striker and MVP of the recent Under-19 European Championship, was officially presented as an Udinese player. The event was introduced by General Manager Franco Collavino and Technical Area Manager Gokhan Inler.
Collavino expressed the club’s pride in acquiring Bravo, stating, “This is a beautiful and important moment as we present a great talent, the MVP of the last Under-19 European Championship. We’re proud of this acquisition, which was sought after and secured with perfect timing and anticipation, in true Udinese style.”
Inler welcomed Bravo, saying, “Welcome Iker! He’s an excellent player who has shown he can do very well. Congratulations to him for winning the European Championship. Udinese has a very important history, and we will always be close to him to support and help him build a great career.”
Bravo, who greeted fans in Italian and shouted “Forza Udinese,” expressed his enthusiasm: “Before the Under-19 European Championship, it was clear in my mind that I wanted to come here. This is the perfect club for me, and I’m very happy to be here. This is an ideal club for young players’ growth, and I want to make the most of all the support I’ll be given to achieve this growth.”
Regarding his preferred position, Bravo said, “I don’t have a preferred position. I play where needed and according to the coach’s ideas. I can act as a striker, but also as an attacking midfielder and right winger, but I’m at the disposal of the coach and the team.”
Bravo also demonstrated knowledge of Udinese’s history: “From the first moment I knew about Udinese’s interest, I was happy. I knew the club’s history, with many great champions like Di Natale, who made history and is an icon of Italian football, but also De Paul or Cuadrado and many others.”
On his goals for the season, Bravo stated, “It’s my first high-level season in the first team. I just want to train at my best and work hard to help the team. Whether the coach will play me a lot as a starter or not is not the main thought; I just think about helping the club and teammates by making myself available.”
Bravo also mentioned his football idols: “Fernando Torres was my favorite striker, but if I have to talk about an idol, I say Cristiano Ronaldo.” He chose the number 21 jersey, saying it has been worn by great champions like Zidane and Dybala.
The young striker concluded by mentioning his conversation with former Udinese player Gerard Deulofeu: “Of course, we talked in these weeks, and he gave me a lot of advice. I know him from when I was at La Masia; I always watched his videos. I wish him to come back soon because he’s a great player.”
