Malcom: ‘I know it’s a challenge, but this is a dream’

BEAVERTON, Oregon — FC Barcelona officially unveiled it’s newest player, the Brazilian Malcom Filipe Silva de Oliveira, on Thursday at Nike’s headquarters here, just outside of Portland. Minutes after the 21-year-old forward put pen to paper in a private signing ceremony with Club President Josep Maria Bartomeu, the two men joined Barça Vice President Jordi Mestre and Technical Secretary Éric Abidal in the Cog Hill room of the Tiger Woods Center, and gave opening statements, before fielding questions from a contingent of reporters in attendance.

Here are the highlights of what they had to say.

Malcom

On his first sensations:

“I know it’s a challenge to play for FC Barcelona, but this is a dream I’ve had since I was little.”

On where he sees himself playing:

“I’m a forward, and I’m multi-faceted, good in one-on-one situations, I’m very fast, and I can help out defensively.”

On having the chance to play with Leo Messi:

“Messi is the best player in the world. He’s a legend. And I hope to learn a lot from him.”

On who his favorite players were growing up:

“When I was little, my idol was Ronaldinho. Neymar too. I hope to follow in the footsteps of all the great Brazilian players who triumphed at Barça.”

President Josep Maria Bartomeu

“We’ve been following Malcom since 2014, and our people who scouted him said he was very good.”

“We want to thank Nike for letting us use their facilities to present Malcom.”

“We’re sure he’s going to have a great season.”

Technical Secretary Eric Abidal

“I’m very proud to present Malcom.”

“He made the leap to Europe and adapted very well to different coaches and tactics.”

“He’s left-footed and can play on both wings. In Brazil he played on the left wing and in Europe he’s played on the right wing. He can also play as an attacking midfielder.”

“He’s a goalscorer and can also provide assists.”

Vice President Jordi Mestre

“He’s a young player with, according to our coaches, extraordinary potential.”