Bayern Munich finally formally unveiled its prized signing of the offseason so far — midfielder João Palhinha.
Needless to say, Palhinha is happy to have made the move to Bavaria.
“The first impressions were really really good. I’m enjoying it a lot. I was able to look around the facilities a bit and get to know some of my teammates. I’m looking forward to being on the pitch with the guys and putting on the Bayern shirt,” Palhinha said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “I didn’t think Bayern would come for me again. When the transfer failed last year, it was a disappointment for me and my family. It wasn’t easy to digest. I knew that if I wanted to get another chance to play for Bayern, I had to continue to do what I did my entire career. I’m very proud that I now have this opportunity. It was a big moment for me and I’m really enjoying the first few days here.”
Palhinha also wanted to credit Thomas Tuchel for helping convince him to make the move — even if Tuchel is no longer with the club.
“I would like to say thank you to Thomas Tuchel who fought for me. I also had the opportunity to thank him again when the transfer didn’t go through last year. I spoke to the new coach Vincent Kompany. I would also like to thank him and Max Eberl. It makes me very proud that two top coaches tried to get me,” Palhinha said. “I had the opportunity to speak to João Cancelo and Renato Sanches, who played here before. Both told me that Munich was the city they enjoyed living in the most. It was important to hear that. I also had friends who visited Munich, and everyone told me good things. I have no doubt that me and my family will like it here.”
Palhinha knows competition on the squad will be fierce and respects all of the midfielders on the roster.
“When we talk about players like (Joshua) Kimmich, (Leon) Goretzka, (Konrad) Laimer — everyone of them can play the position of No. 6. Being in a team with these players makes me very proud. I remember when I played against Kimmich when I was 19 — it was clear that he was an absolute top player and now I’m sharing the pitch with him. There are a lot of top players in the squad. I’m looking forward to it,” Palhinha remarked. “I’m ready to play. I just need to pack my bag and then we fly to South Korea. I did performance tests the first two days, tomorrow I’ll finally be on the training pitch for the first time with the team and then it’s off to Seoul.”
Palhinha is known for his physical play and his slide tackling — naturally, some fans have drawn a comparison to former Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez.
“It makes me very proud to be compared to a player like (Martinez). He was also a role model for me when I was young. We have similar qualities but I want to write my own story here,” said Palhinha. “I hope the referees in the Bundesliga don’t blow the whistle for fouls easily. I never look to hurt anyone, I look to win the ball. In England the football is very physical, as it is in the Bundesliga. It’s better for the game to play without interruptions. I always try to come out of tackles successfully. Those who know me know that I don’t play unfairly.”