Martin Demichelis says he is looking forward to his return to La Liga and believes he can be “important” for Espanyol this season.
The 35-year-old defender was released by Manchester City in the summer after his contract expired, having won a League title and two League Cups at the Etihad Stadium, and has penned a one-year deal with Los Pericos with a €10m buy-out clause.
Demichelis, who has also played for the likes of Bayern Munich and Malaga, believes he is still physically fit and can contribute to the Catalan club’s new project under boss Quique Sanchez Flores.
“I’ve come here to help and I realise a place in the starting line-up needs to be earned,” he told a Press conference at his presentation.
“But I always want to play because I’m ambitious and I want to feel like a footballer out on the pitch. I’m really happy to come back to La Liga and I feel I can play an important part.
“With respect to my age, I’ve looked after myself and I’ll carry on doing that in order to be in good shape. I’ve always tried to be as good a professional as possible, in training, diet and rest.
“I can’t promise certain things but what I can promise is commitment and professionalism. At City I was able to play quite a lot and touch wood I didn’t have many injuries.
“I think the objective will be to finish in the top 10. It’s going to be difficult, but you need something to fight for and without doubt Espanyol are putting together a squad good enough to do that.”
In addition, Demichelis insists he has not arrived in Barcelona just to sample the delights of the city.
“I’m here because of the project, not because Barcelona is a beautiful city, and the idea of joining a group of lads already here along with those that are coming attracted me, as did the idea of Espanyol having a season better than the last ones,” he explained.
