AS Saint-Etienne : integration, objectives, profile … rookie Ignacio Ramirez says more | ASSE News

Zapping Goal! Football club MHSC – ASSE: The pre-match brief

Goal: Ignacio, when did you find out about the possibility of joining ASSE?

Ignacio RAMIREZ : The day I signed, the last day of the Mercato. In fact, it all happened very quickly. When my agent told me there was this opportunity, I was very happy. And it could have been done. So much the better !

Have you ever heard of Saint-Etienne?

Yes. It is an important club in France. When I knew I was going to come here, I educated myself a little better. I prepared myself well for the challenge.

Physically, where are you?

I feel good. We were in full competition with my club Liverpool. So I have the rhythm. I feel perfectly good.

“I’m a comfortable attacker in the box. I’m always looking for the right position to be able to score ”

There is a lot of waiting for your arrival …

I know. I am a forward and we always expect a lot from forwards. We are expected to score goals, to help the team win matches. It’s normal. This is our job.

What type of attacker are you?

I’m a comfortable striker in the box. I’m always looking for the right position to be able to score. I try to adapt to all systems.

Did you talk about Saint-Etienne with Gonzalo Bergessio?

We were able to speak yes. My brother is playing with him. Gonzalo told me about the city, the supporters. He was very positive. I thank him. We were both competing but he was available to me. It proves the man he is. I have great esteem for him. What he told me made me feel good.

Coach Puel explained his expectations to you?

He speaks a little Spanish. He welcomed me. He explained his game concepts to me. Honestly, I was very well received. We do everything to make me feel good.

Have you already been told about OL?

(he smiles) Yes. That’s the first thing I was told at the airport. I know that Lyon is the game of the season. We will try to prepare it well but before, there are other meetings. We will try to move up the rankings.

How do you see the L1?

It’s a very competitive championship, a big league. There are a lot of great players.

Among them, there is Messi, Neymar, Mbappé. Do you hope to annoy them in the scorers standings?

We’ll see. I especially hope that I will feel good and that I will quickly score my first goal. It is important for confidence. Every day I will work for this. To improve myself, improve my stats, my game, and help the team have a good season. It’s my aim.

“At first, I’m here for ten months. But if all goes well, maybe I’ll stay a lot longer ”

It’s a big change for you …

Sure. This is my first time leaving Uruguay. It’s a new language, new habits to take. But there are several players who speak Spanish like Kolo, Gabriel (Silva), Miguel (Trauco). This will facilitate my adaptation. They are very nice, very willing. We’re all in the same boat.

Is your family with you?

She will join me. My wife and our two children will be arriving. I hope everyone feels good here and that it will be a very good year for all of us.

You are only loaned. Do you think you stayed at ASSE only a year?

At first I am there for ten months. But if all goes well, maybe I’ll stay a lot longer. My future will depend on how things go.

Is selection one of your goals?

Sure. Its important to me. Coming to France, I take a big leap. I go up in quality, in level. I have already been called up for selection: the Espoirs and now the A. But I have not yet been able to play. There is a very good team, with great forwards like Luis Suarez, Cavani. Playing with them is a dream. I hope to still have the chance to do so in training and also in matches.

Off the pitch, what are your passions?

I am very family. I like spending time with my children. We will discover the city together. I bring with me the traditions of my country, especially mate. I shared one with the coach. But I can’t wait to discover French traditions. I hope to adapt quickly.