New Verona signing Ezequiel Cirigliano says he wants to follow in the footsteps of Barcelona and Argentina ace Javier Mascherano.
The Argentine midfielder was presented to the media on Thursday after the newly promoted club agreed a loan deal with River Plate.
New Verona signing Ezequiel Cirigliano says he wants to follow in the footsteps of Barcelona and Argentina ace Javier Mascherano.
The Argentine midfielder was presented to the media on Thursday after the newly promoted club agreed a loan deal with River Plate.
“Mascherano is my role model,” the 21-year-old commented. “One day I hope to reach the level he has in the game.”
Cirigliano has been linked with a number of Italian clubs in the past, but he admits he didn’t feel ready for Serie A.
“I had a number of opportunities to move to Italy before, but I preferred to stay in Argentina and mature,” he continued.
“But being here now is a dream and I want to express myself as best I can. I hope to stay for some time to come.
“I’ve spoken to Roma’s Erik Lamela [a former River Plate teammate] about the championship here and I know it is complicated.
“The level is very high, but it will be fundamental for me in my growth as a player.”