Cruzeiro have presented two of their new reinforcements for the 2024 season. Both made their debuts in the 2-0 win over Pouso Alegre last Sunday (25). The defender talked about the new challenge, while the midfielder explained why he chose the club from Minas Gerais to continue his career.
“When I was at Argentino Juniors, I talked to my teammates about the possibilities for each one, where I could go. Some, because they’re kids from Europe, others want to get somewhere. My reality was different. I’m 29, I thought the market for me was here. So that was a conversation with Kevin Mc Allister, a former Argentino Juniors player, now in Belgium, who said that one of my sporting desires was to play here in Brazil. To see how far I could go. So this is a very important challenge for me,” he said.
“There were two Russian teams. However, with the war going on there, it was something that couldn’t be done (the transfer). Some European and American teams couldn’t take money from Russia. There was a team from Turkey and the Championship (England’s Second Division). In theory, it would be five months (of contract). So taking my family away from where they were already settled to somewhere else was going to be a problem. I had to make the best decision, and that’s why I’m here,” explained Cifuentes.
Conversation with idol
Before signing with Cruzeiro, Lucas Villalba got to talk to one of the great idols of the Minas Gerais club. This was Juan Pablo Sorín, who congratulated Villalba and wished him the best of luck. Cifuentes, for his part, reiterated that he has been closely monitored by the coaching staff to improve his physical performance.
“I spoke to Sorín a few days ago, he sent me a message. It’s very gratifying for me, because when I was a kid I used to watch TV and see them, Sorín, Ronaldo himself. He congratulated me and wished me a good time here. I talked to him a bit about Cruzeiro, to find out a bit about the history of the team, how I can develop here,” revealed Villalba.
“Day after day, I’m working and talking about it with the people in charge of my physical performance, all to improve. I also think I’m adapting in a good way, I think my teammates have welcomed me and are helping me to do so very quickly,” concluded Cifuentes.
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