Former Fiorentina defender Igor ‘can’t wait’ to play for Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton: ‘I can evolve so much under him. I want to become one of the best defenders in the team.’
The Seagulls have secured the services of the Brazilian defender from Fiorentina for €20m, including add-ons.
“I can’t wait to train and play for Roberto. He’s a fantastic coach and I think I can evolve so much under him. I want to become one of the best defenders in the team,” Igor told Brighton’s official website.
“When he left Italy he already had a big name, but after what he has achieved here his acknowledgement in Italy is even bigger.”
“I’m very happy and excited to start playing as soon as possible. I’m happy to be here,” he continued.
“I want to be here to play for the coach that wanted me and the style of play at Brighton also fits well with my own style.
“It’s a childhood dream to play in the Premier League, I’m very excited. It’s always been my goal to play here. I’m really happy to reach this level.
“As always, I’m going to play the hardest as possible on the pitch. I’ll do my best every day, but most importantly, to try and win the heart of the fans.”
De Zerbi led Brighton to their first-ever Europa League qualification last season and Igor is excited to play in the second most important club competition in the Old Continent.
“It’s always good to have an experience in European competition,” he said.
“It’s my first time playing in the Europa League, but I’m hoping to add to the team as much as possible and play as hard as I can to help in our European journey.”
Igor, 25, spent three and a half years at Fiorentina, collecting 110 appearances with the Tuscans.
He first joined Fiorentina on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy from SPAL in January 2020. La Viola made his move permanent for €5m in May 2021.
Igor played his last competitive game with Fiorentina on June 7, coming off the bench in a Conference League Final against West Ham. He had been involved in the Hammers’ late winner and didn’t hide his frustration in his latest interview as a Fiorentina player before taking off for England earlier this week.
The Brazilian centre-back has signed a four-year contract with Albion.