Getafe new boy Sammir has revealed his delight at getting the chance to play in La Liga.
The Brazil-born Croatia international completed a move to El Geta late in the transfer window and only arrived in Spain on Monday.
Speaking to Marca, the 26-year-old spoke of how excited he is to be with his new club.
“Since I was a child I wanted to play in Spain,” Sammir said.
“I was at Dinamo Zagreb a long time, seven years, and need other challenges.
“I like the technical Spanish style and hope I’ll be happy here and that the club and fans are happy with me.”
Sammir added that he doesn’t know a great deal about his new club but is looking forward to being in Madrid.
“I’ve seen some of Getafe’s games but I wasn’t able to ask anyone about them.
“No Brazilian has played here except Jaja Cohelo, who played 27 minutes in two games in 2005-06.
“But I know Madrid is a big city and Getafe are a team with good players.”
Sammir admitted he will need time to achieve match fitness, having been on holiday in Brazil due to the Croatian winter break at the time the transfer was arranged.
Originally Sammir was to join Getafe in the summer, but Dinamo’s President allowed him to leave early.
“I know Real Madrid play Getafe in 12 days but it’ll be hard for me to get ready for that game.
“Now I want to try a more demanding competition. I want to show my skills and make an impact in a big League.
“I hope to go to the World Cup and this is one of the reasons I’ve come here. I know it’ll be hard but I want to fight for my place.”
Marca concluded by asking Sammir to choose between Madrid or Barcelona.
“Madrid forever,” he replied.
