Our young defender is unveiled to the media in Dimaro
Luca Marianucci declared that “joining Napoli is a dream come true” when he was presented to the media as a Napoli player in Dimaro on Thursday.
“Since I was a child I dreamt of playing for a top Italian club and now that I'm here I'm thrilled,” the 21-year-old began. “Joining this club is the highest point of my career so far. Now it's up to me to repay the club for believing me.
“I'm loving it here because training with world-class players like the ones we have at Napoli really motivates you. I'm settling in quickly and I'm thrilled to be living this moment.
“I work hard every day to earn myself some game time but I know it will take commitment and patience to break through. There's a long way to go but I must keep pushing on with my head on my shoulders and always be ready to step in.
“The training we're doing with [Antonio] Conte is really intense but it will pay off when we reach the start of the season in tip-top shape.
“I'm a centre-back who likes getting on the ball and linking up with team-mates to help build moves. That's something the coach has asked me to focus on and it comes naturally to me to link up with players further forward.
“I have a strong character too – I never give up and always put everything into trying to win. I think that's one of the things that made the club decide to sign me.
“Yesterday was one of my best birthdays ever. I couldn't have asked for anything better than celebrating it in a Napoli shirt with this group of top players.
“I know I'll need to work hard but I have huge self-belief. I want to make my mark but at the same time I must be humble enough to recognise that I start down the pecking order with some amazing defenders ahead of me. I'll try to learn from their experience to develop my own game.
“My dream is to achieve the goals we've set ourselves as a team and try to play my part. It's an honour to be a Napoli player and I'll try to show I deserve to wear this jersey.”
