Camavinga: “I might need time to adapt... or maybe not”

Real Madrid have officially presented Eduardo Camavinga as their new No.25, with the player revealing how thrilled he is to be wearing the club’s famous white shirt. Just after a brief photo session and just after Florentino Pérez’s speech, the player said: “I’m very happy to be here. I’m very proud to come and defend this badge. I want to thank the president and all my family. If anybody had told me a few years ago that I’d be here then I wouldn’t have believed them. Hala Madrid!”

Later, in a press conference with the national and international media, Camavinga spoke further about his transfer and ambitions.

He explained: “The main factor for this decision wasn’t money. It was to complete a dream I’d had since I was a child. I wanted to play with the great players here, who’ll teach me a lot. I didn’t think twice when it came up and I’m very happy. I’ll give my all for this club.”

In the president’s speech, Pérez revealed that Real Madrid had been following Camavinga for two years, so the player was pressed on when exactly talks started on this transfer and who he spoke with. To that, Camavinga replied: “I knew Real Madrid were interested, but I didn’t know specifically about that when I was 16 years old. Even now, I don’t think about that. My parents look after such matters. The transfer was done in the final days of the market, but who I spoke with and who I didn’t speak with is a secret.”

Camavinga on his position in Real Madrid’s midfield

It’s not yet clear where Camavinga will play in midfield, having occupied various different roles with Rennes. Asked about where he thinks he’ll fit in, the teenager said: “I’m young and I might need time to adapt. Or maybe not. We’ll have to see. Either way, I feel well prepared. I am here to learn. I will need to demonstrate to the coach that I’m prepared. So, I’ll work very hard to earn minutes and will then try to enjoy that playing time. I am often asked about my position. I don’t like to compare myself to other players. I like to play in front of the defence, but I can also play further forward. I’m ready to adapt and learn about all the positions. Wherever the coach puts me, I’ll play there and give my all.”

Pressed on what his main qualities are, he said: “I think I can bring quality, technical skills and aggression too. My technical skills and the aggression in my play are my main qualities.”

Asked if he feels ready to play this Sunday against Celta Vigo, when Real Madrid are short in midfield due to injuries and the international break, Camavinga stated that: “Yes, I’m prepared. The coach will have to decide, but I’m ready to play.”

Camavinga on his Real Madrid idols

When the youngster was asked about who his Real Madrid idols were growing up, he referred to the Galácticos era - even though he was actually born in November 2002, after the signings of the three players he mentioned. He said his idols were: “Ronaldo, Zidane, Figo, all the great players who have been here.”

Karim Benzema was also brought up and Camavinga was asked what it will mean to work with the striker. He said: “Benzema is an idol for all French players. He gets on well with young players, as you see Vinícius. I hope he can help me too.”

Camavinga on fleeing the war

There were also a couple of questions about Camavinga’s childhood and how his Congolese parents had to flee the war. On the difficulties he experienced during his early years, he said: “It has helped me become stronger. My family helped me a lot and when I play a play for them. Obviously, I’m very proud to be here today with my family.”