Miralem Pjanic proud to be at Barça

Miralem Pjanic has been presented as a new FC Barcelona player. The Bosnian midfielder signed his contract and stepped out on to the field at Camp Nou for the first time in a Barça shirt. "I am very motivated and I am really looking forward to getting playing and winning. In the dressing room I have seen the history behind the team. It is a great opportunity for me," said Pjanic in a remote press conference during his presentation. 

The midfielder said he was proud to be at Barça despite adding "I would have liked to have signed earlier for Barça." He continued: "I have dreamed of this since I was young and I am very happy to form part of this extraordinary club. I have come to the biggest club in the world and I will give everything so that people will remember me. I will be happy that way." 

Pjanic admitted that he needed "new challenges" in his career and he was clear about the path ahead of him. "First to get to know my team mates on the field and also the league and the teams in it. I will try to settle in as quickly as possible and I hope to be able to play and help the team soon. The collective is very important and the success will be for everyone," explained the Bosnia and Herzegovina international. 

With regards to settling in, the new Barça number 8 revealed that he had spoken to coach Ronald Koeman. "I am available and I will adapt and give my best in the position the coach thinks best," added Pjanic. 

Having recovered from Covid-19, which delayed his arrival in Barcelona and starting training with the squad, Pjanic is now working out with his team mates at the Ciutat Esportiva. It was a difficult time according to the midfielder as he had to self isolate and train at home in Turin, although he added that he was in permanent contact with FC Barcelona during that time. Now, he is looking to the future: "I am getting into shape physically and there is still time left before the league starts and I hope to have some time on the field on Saturday in the friendly against Elche. I feel better every day."