Midfielder Igor Coronado was officially presented at Corinthians on Tuesday (20), and celebrated signing with Timão.
Coronado spent a long time in Arab soccer, where he was team-mate of striker Romarinho, ex-Corinthians, from whom he heard a lot about the club and wanted to have his own experience.
– The structure is shit. When I walked through the gate and we started to look around, it was a dream for any player, not to mention the professionals who are here. They offer us the best to be available for every game with a gym, physiotherapy, it’s every player’s dream and what the player needs. Corinthians, simply. I don’t need to say any more. When the club came to me, there’s no good or bad moment, it’s Corinthians and the shirt is heavy. I wanted to experience it here. I certainly know the pressure of playing here, and the support is unique, regardless of the result. After the game there’s the normal pressure, we don’t want to experience that as professionals. We want to be happy and make the fans happy, that’s my goal here. It’s a unique crowd that’s with the team. For me, I can’t wait to see for myself. Romarinho is passionate about the club, he’s had some great times here, and I’ve had a few conversations with him to understand what this environment is like. I’m ready to get the best out of him. As far as positioning is concerned, everyone can play – commented Coronado.
Still without a debut date, the midfielder is putting pressure on his personal fitness trainer to be fit for Sunday’s game against Ponte Preta in São Paulo.
– I’m working hard in two periods. First day today that I’ve been included in a group. I’m putting a bit of pressure on the fitness coaches to get me out on the pitch. This week I’ll continue separately so that on Monday I can be 100% integrated into the group. They have the data they study, and day by day we’ll see if we can change it – he said.
Wearing the number 77, Coronado commented on the importance of the number for Corinthians and revealed that he had already worn it at Al Ittihad.
– I know that (77) is a historic year at the club and it’s a number I’ve worn in the past, I got off to a good start at Ittihad with that number – said Coronado.
Without playing since December, the midfielder didn’t hide his desire to be close to the fans and feel the emotion of representing Corinthians in a game at the packed Neo Química Arena.
– I’m looking forward to seeing the fans. Everyone knows the Corinthians fans outside Brazil. Any player is impressed, which is why I’m pushing for Sunday, about 10 minutes. I saw the video of them in the rain on Sunday. There are few, if not the only ones who have this presence and it motivates the player to be here – he said.
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Check out other excerpts from Igor Coronado’s press conference:
Adapting to Brazilian football – It’s not something that worries me, for me it’s a dream come true to move back to Brazil. I’ve been away for a long time and my family are very happy to be here. I don’t think it will take long to adapt to Brazilian soccer, I’ve been very well received. Romarinho had told me what Corinthians was like, but to feel it and see it with my own eyes is satisfying. I’m happy. The Brasileirão will be the seventh different championship I’ve played in, so it will be another adjustment. Wherever I’ve been, I’ve made my mark. I want this to be the biggest –
Career – My career has been reversed as a Brazilian. I started out outside Brazil, very young, my parents left to work in England and I followed them when I was 12. Every player strives for the best, but the start of my career wasn’t easy. Thanks to the support I had and my work, I kept dreaming and believing. I’ve had ups and downs, but over the last few years I’ve grown more and more and I’m here to justify why I was signed. I’m not one to talk a lot, but I do deliver everything. I’ll try my best to justify why Corinthians signed me –
Motivation to return to Corinthians– I could stay in Saudi Arabia. You can play eight foreigners, we had 10. When the market opened up, my manager talked about the possibility of coming back. I’d spent five and a half years in the Arab world. I needed something new and there was nothing better than Corinthians. It was a time when we worked off the pitch, my managers came in to make it all happen. It was something that fitted and worked at the time. I’m very happy to be here –
Reception from the squad– I’m here to try and help as much as I can. I’m a player who likes to create a good atmosphere for the group. I’ve been very well received. As soon as I can help anyone, I’ll be on hand. The lads have good heads and a lot of quality. If the player feels embraced, if there’s no pressure from the group on them, they’ll enjoy it. The first people I came into contact with were Cássio and Paulinho. The attention they gave me by message was sensational. I still don’t have a home here, Paulinho has opened the doors of his apartment for me to stay with my family. He’s giving me this strength, it’s not everywhere you find this kind of support. I’m happy to help in any way I can –
