Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is excited to make the move to Serie A and discussed his goals with Salernitana.
The 37-year-old shot stopper, who is a staple of modern World Cups, has put pen to paper on a six-month contract with the Campania outfit, signing a short-term deal that contains an option for a further year. The move allows Ochoa to get a taste of life in Italy in the twilight of his career, having previously spent time in Belgium, Spain and France.
Speaking in a press conference, Ochoa first discussed why he accepted Salernitana’s offer.
“When the opportunity to play in Serie A came up, I could not say no. The sporting director explained to me what Salernitana’s project is in the medium to long term and I immediately felt involved.
“I had other options to continue my experience in other countries and other leagues, but as soon as the World Cup was over I felt the desire to marry an ambitious, interesting project.
“I’m really happy to be here, I bring my experience to the squad and I hope I can make a great contribution on the green rectangle as well.”
He commented on the passion of the Salernitana fans and how they’re similar to those in Mexico.
“The fans are a subject that enchants me, I know that our curva is as hot as a Mexican one. When we started the negotiations, I immediately thought of the warmth of the Granata crowd. Those who come from the American continent need to be dragged by the people.”
The 37-year-old gave his thoughts on Serie A and Italian football as a whole.
“In Mexico we have always followed your Serie A. I have been around Europe, but the Italian league is special and high level. There are historic teams that I faced as an opponent in the days of Batistuta at Roma and Ronaldo and Pirlo at Juventus.
“Among the goalkeepers who fascinate me I cannot fail to mention Pagliuca, Toldo, Buffon. I would also like to mention our director De Sanctis who was a level-headed athlete.
“We are talking about people who wrote history, it is a country that historically has always churned out players of the highest level.”
He touched on if he’s spoken to Napoli’s Hirving Lozano recently.
“After the World Cup we didn’t talk much, I just asked for general information about Serie A. I did not ask for advice with respect to my choice.
“It was enough for me to talk to sporting director De Sanctis to understand how prestigious the project was that I’m now proudly part of.”
Ochoa spoke about Salernitana’s goals for this season.
“To save ourselves and avoid relegation as soon as possible. We have to make sure that this team stays in Serie A as long as possible.”
He commented on which Serie A strikers he’s afraid of most.
“I respect everyone, but I’m not afraid of anyone. Of course, we are in Serie A and all the strikers have big qualities. We will start immediately with Milan with Giroud and Leao.
“Inter have Lautaro Martinez, I also know Milik from Juventus well. I cannot fail to mention Lozano who is a teammate of mine in the national team. I am proud to be able to face international champions.”
The Mexican veteran looked to explain why no top European club has made a move for him in the past.
“It’s difficult for a major team in Europe to bet with conviction on a South American goalkeeper. There is also the issue related to the registration of non-EU nationals.
“Now I have a Spanish passport and it’s been easier. I had opportunities, however, there were bureaucratic obstacles that did not allow me to sign and start an important adventure with a top club.”
The 37-year-old spoke about the support from Mexican fans.
“It’s definitely a responsibility. Throughout my long career I have always tried to set an example, especially for the younger ones.
“Regardless of the moment, positive or negative, I must always be a professional athlete who respects the club for which I play. It is precisely because of these characteristics of mine that I hope to play in my sixth World Cup.”
Ochoa discussed why he only signed a six-month contract with Salernitana.
“There is an option for one more season. It was the management that proposed a six-month contract. De Sanctis was very clear when he talked to me. And in football it is not easy to meet such honest and straightforward ownership.
“I appreciated that very much. It was an agreement that made both parties happy, now it’s up to me to make myself available to the team and create the right opportunities to do well in Serie A.
“Competition creates the right motivation, it is obvious that I would like to make my mark in Salerno as well.”
He commented on the Salernitana squad and their qualities.
“Salernitana have quality and talent. There are high level players. It was not difficult to join the group, also because so many languages are spoken. English, French, Spanish.
“Little by little I will learn Italian. It is a tight locker room, I believe that in the present and future we can do very good things.”
Finally, Ochoa discussed his goalkeeping inspirations and who is the strongest of all time.
“Buffon, Canizares, Casillas, Pagliuca, Taffarel. The list would be really long. I wouldn’t forget Barthez, Schmeichel, Van der Sar.
“In Italy there is a history of goalkeepers recognized by everyone, Donnarumma and Meret are only the last ones in chronological order.
“In recent years the role of the goalkeeper has diversified, we participate more in the build-up and are an integral part of the game action.”