Ben Godfrey pointed to the style of Gian Piero Gasperini when explaining his decision to switch from Everton to Atalanta and revealed the advice of Carlo Ancelotti.
The 26-year-old Englishman officially joined la Dea from the Toffees at the start of this month in a deal worth around €12m, putting pen to paper on a five-year contract. His arrival adds some cover to the backline following the serious injury suffered by Giorgio Scalvini.
Atalanta shined under Gasperini in the 2023-24 season, winning the Europa League and securing a fourth-place finish in Serie A, bringing them back to the Champions League. Godfrey will be keen to prove himself to his new coach and teammates in the coming weeks.
Godfrey press conference
Speaking at his unveiling press conference via TMW, Godfrey first discussed his reasons for joining Atalanta from Everton.
“As soon as I heard about Atalanta’s interest, I immediately understood that there was a club I wanted to go to and it was this one I think Gasperini’s style is top, and he’s managed to develop many players, that’s exactly what I’m looking for, my goal is to improve.”
He spoke about his first few weeks in Italy.
“It was a very pleasant week, clearly we work very hard. I immediately felt welcomed, immediately part of the group. I’ve never seen so much sun, but it’s clearly good weather!”
Godfrey spoke about the differences between England and Italian football.
“There’s a lot of physical work, I can’t wait to get into these new patterns. I got a general idea last year, but now thanks to the meetings with the coach I’m learning the new patterns.”
He touched on his expectations of Serie A.
“It’s a very tough league, there are teams that play in a very tactical way. The Champions League is the dream of most footballers.”
Godfrey commented on how Atalanta are perceived abroad.
“They’re a very strong team, the idea I had too. In fact, everyone was happy with my choice.”
He revealed how Everton reacted after Atalanta’s Europa League quarter-final win over Liverpool last season.
“They were certainly very happy!”
The 26-year-old discussed the upcoming UEFA Super Cup clash with Real Madrid.
“We can’t wait to play this final, they are the type of matches that anyone wants to play, we know it’ll be a difficult match, Atalanta deserved to be here, we’re preparing well.”
Godfrey was asked about his inspirations.
“There isn’t a specific player, but I watch a lot of football, I try to observe and learn as much information as possible, even for those who play in other formations. I’m a big football fan.”
He commented on the passion of the Atalanta fans.
“It’s one of the first things I saw, the fans are very important, they make you play in an even more exciting way, they make the difference.”
Godfrey was asked about his ambitions with the England national team.
“My ambition is to return to the national team, but at the moment my attention is entirely on Atalanta, I want to perform excellently for the team, then I’ll think about the national team.”
He revealed some advice given to him by Carlo Ancelotti.
“He’s a great man, a fantastic coach, he’s one of the people I spoke with regarding Atalanta. He told me to come here immediately.”
Finally, Godfrey spoke about Gasperini’s style of play.
“Yes, I know there will be many chances, Atalanta’s way of playing allows you that, it’ll be really nice.”