Cavani: “I felt something special about Valencia CF”

Edinson Cavani was presented on Friday as a new Valencia CF player. The Uruguayan striker expressed his motivation and desire to succeed at the club as he fielded questions from the media.

Why Valencia CF?

It has not been an easy time for me. I had to make an important decision, as I wanted to continue competing. When there was talk about Valencia CF I felt something special. Everything came through, little by little, until the time came to sign here.

How are you feeling? What do you aspire to do?

I haven’t trained since my last game, which was the friendlies with the national team. I trained with my national team in Uruguay, but not having a big group means it takes you a little time to get back in shape. I feel good and I’m looking forward to it; I’m continuing the adaptation process and looking forward to getting on the pitch with my teammates soon.

How important was Gattuso in your signing for Valencia CF?

I decided to come here because I know it is a big club. They haven’t been fighting at the top for a while, but I don't forget that they have participated in a final. That is the main reason why I decided to come here. I spoke with the coach and my brother took care of the rest. It is also an important factor to know that there is a coach like Gattuso here, who likes hard work and discipline.

If the best Cavani was 10/10 as a forward, what level can the current Cavani reach?

Look, you work to be a 10. You have to be careful with age, because age does not mean that the player is not going to be the best version of themselves. Beyond the fact that I had my little problems at Manchester United, one works to always be at 100%. Many things can happen in a year, but working to be 10/10 is non-negotiable. I'm here to work, to give everything, and I work to be a 10. I will work to do my best at the club.

Is the adaptation fast? Could we see you at Vallecas? And does the Matador nickname and the comparison with Kempes bother you?

I have never wanted to be like anyone; I have always wanted to be me. I have worked to get fit and to do my best. It is the greatest satisfaction, working to be the best that you can be. In my career I have earned my name with goals and trophies, but it was always because I gave my all to be the best Cavani possible. Arriving at a club creates expectations and I want to be on the pitch as soon as possible. Then we will see what happens this year. I will always do my best to repay the affection and trust that the club have shown me.

Have you set a date for your debut?

There is a question of time, and no matter what I set for myself, you have to respect a process decided by doctors and coaches. My will is to be ready as soon as possible, but you have to respect the required days to take steps forward. Against Atletico Madrid I wanted to go onto the pitch, and the shout I gave for the goal seemed as if I had scored it. We are looking for a way to be ready as soon as possible.

How do you define yourself as a player? Does it motivate you to be the oldest in the squad?

Being the oldest is a responsibility. You have a career behind you and have earned respect for what you’ve done -not only for the goals and trophies, but for the way you carry yourself, your way of working, and for the discipline and sacrifice you show on the pitch. There are young players who can look at you as an example and you have to be aware. You have to know that these are important things for the development of a player. If it is something that comes naturally to you, then you won’t find it hard, but it is a responsibility. You have to always do the best possible for the club and the youngsters.

As a player, I have always been a striker who felt that the only way to achieve goals was to work hard. I didn't think I was a striker who was a phenomenon or that I have extraordinary talents. I have always been a player who has had to push myself a lot to achieve what I have. Many times, we have quality, but others have much more. Those of us who have a little less quality, have to complement it with hard work and sacrifice. I’m a striker with hard work and sacrifice who wants to win and bring us joy.

At what point did you decide on Valencia CF, despite the fact that you had other offers?

I already had Valencia CF in my head. Beyond the fact that offers might appear, I always had it in my head that I should come to Valencia CF, because I know that this is a big club. It's a great city, with fans who love football, and I felt that the place to come to give my all was Valencia CF. There was no talk of money. If it were about money, then there were other proposals. There was a feeling that drew me here.

Is this the biggest challenge of your career?

When you feel determined to compete and work to become your best version, everything is a challenge. Wherever you are. Today I am at Valencia CF and the challenge is the same as at my previous clubs. The moment I put on the shirt of the team I go to, I defend the club as if I were a lifelong fan of that club. I feel this challenge the same way as before. I enjoy it in my own way, but I face it in the same way.

How did you experience the days in Madrid in which your future was not clear?

Uncertainty is not a nice thing for anyone. As much as football is a game, and for us it is a job, there were hours of nervousness. But I took it well. I was calm because I was with my family.

Is it difficult to wear the number 7 for Valencia CF?

Numbers in football are sometimes taken out of circulation. I'd be lying if I told you I don't care about any number. There are numbers that I like, such as 7 and 9. I honestly don’t think that the shirt carries any extra weight. Because it's just a number on a shirt, with all due respect to the great footballers who wore it and whom I admire. For me the number doesn't mean anything. I would never ask a teammate for their number. For me, other things count on the pitch.

The president has said that the market has been difficult, and especially your operation. Why was it so tricky?

I don't know. You'd have to ask the president. Sometimes this happens in football. It is normal.

Do you feel pressure to be one of the most exciting signings of recent years?

You always have that feeling inside your stomach. It always feels like that. It's a bit of uncertainty, a bit of fear, but it's a fear that makes you always give your best and stay focused. It is something beautiful and that I have had to go through many times.