Guglielmo Vicario was all smiles in his first interview as a Tottenham player, revealing he ‘didn’t believe this opportunity’ when first informed of the club’s interest.
The 26-year-old Italian goalkeeper left Empoli for Spurs in a deal worth around €19m plus add-ons, penning a five-year contract in North London. He’s expected to be the long-term replacement to Hugo Lloris, who will likely leave in the coming months.
Vicario stood out during his time at Empoli, earning a reputation for his abilities at both shot stopping and playing out from the back. He was linked with a move to Inter before deciding to make the jump to the Premier League.
Speaking to Tottenham’s media department, Vicario first discussed how it feels to have officially signed for the club.
“Yes, I’m excited. It’s a dream for me to be here, one of the biggest teams in England and in the Premier League. I’d like to start quickly, to join my team-mates because, for me, it’s a big pleasure to be here.
“I didn’t believe this opportunity. I told my agent it’s my first choice, I want to go to the Premier League and a big club like Spurs. For me, it’s so exciting.
“I want to learn a lot of things because the culture of football in Italy is so different. I need to adapt quickly to my team-mates, to the style of play, so many differences between Italian football (and the Premier League, ed.).
“The fans are amazing as well, the buzz when you play well. I love this mentality.”
He touched on his first conversations with coach Ange Postecoglou.
“I spoke with him, and he told me the keeper is so important with his attacking mentality. He wants to dominate the game. I love this mentality. It will be a big chance for me.”
The 26-year-old commented on his goals for the upcoming season.
“I think we need to fight a lot. We have to take the best for the club. I don’t want to make specific goals, because we have to focus day by day.
“If we work a lot, follow the coach, I think we can reach a lot of goals. We are a big team of big players. For me, the team is amazing.”
Finally, Vicario reflected on his career and the steps before this point.
“I just wanted to play football, not thinking what it could be in the next years. I just think the best thing is to concentrate on the present, what you can do now, not what you will do.
“I concentrate on the present and I live my life, my experience, my football. I train a lot. I love to train. Now, this is my dream. I want to live my dream now.”