Duvan Zapata says he joined Udinese with an eye to his international career, and he hopes to help the club into European tournaments.
The striker joined the Zebrette from Napoli as part of the Allan deal, and was officially presented to his supporters today.
"I've come here hoping to play more regularly so that I can earn myself a place in the Colombia national team,” he said.
"I want to thank Benitez. He brought me to Napoli and handed me my debut in SerieA and on the European stage.
Duvan Zapata says he joined Udinese with an eye to his international career, and he hopes to help the club into European tournaments.
The striker joined the Zebrette from Napoli as part of the Allan deal, and was officially presented to his supporters today.
"I've come here hoping to play more regularly so that I can earn myself a place in the Colombia national team,” he said.
"I want to thank Benitez. He brought me to Napoli and handed me my debut in SerieA and on the European stage.
“The strikers I most try to emulate are [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic and [Didier] Drogba.
"[Antonio] Di Natale is a player everyone at Udinese looks to for inspiration. He's a top-class footballer.
“I hope to score lots of goals for this club. I don't have a preferred formation, I'll fit in with whatever [Coach Stefano] Colantuono wants.
“My only thought is doing well for Udinese over the next two years. Hopefully we can play in Europe next season.
"I didn't speak to any of my fellow countrymen before coming to Udine, not even my cousin Cristian Zapata.
"I'm a laid-back guy and I'm sure I'll be very happy here in Udine.
"The new Stadio Friuli will give us an extra incentive.
“We need to work hard if we want to achieve good results."
Sporting director Cristiano Giaretta also expressed his satisfaction.
"The negotiations were long and drawn out but we really wanted to bring Zapata to Udinese."