Bayern Munich loanee Joshua Zirkzee said he’s ready for a ‘different’ challenge at Parma and believes he has arrived at the ‘perfect place to develop’.
The 19-year-old has been tipped a great future and surprisingly moved on loan to Parma in January. The Gialloblu have an option to buy the starlet for a reported €15m.
He has vowed to work hard to ‘adapt’ quickly to Italian football and hopes to help the Gialloblu in the relegation battle this term.
Bayern Munich loanee Joshua Zirkzee said he’s ready for a ‘different’ challenge at Parma and believes he has arrived at the ‘perfect place to develop’.
The 19-year-old has been tipped a great future and surprisingly moved on loan to Parma in January. The Gialloblu have an option to buy the starlet for a reported €15m.
He has vowed to work hard to ‘adapt’ quickly to Italian football and hopes to help the Gialloblu in the relegation battle this term.
“The challenges are different from Bayern,” Zirkzee said at a press conference. “But I believe I can make a contribution and I will do my best to help my new club.
“The transition from the Bundesliga may be difficult but I will do everything possible to adapt as soon as possible and give my best.”
He said former Milan forward Ronaldinho was his idol, but the Dutch youngster mentioned named some of the heroes from his homeland too.
“On a general level, Ronaldinho was my role model, but being Dutch, I cannot fail to mention champions like Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard.
“There are many players who inspire me, it would be limiting to mention just a few.”
About his own abilities, he stressed physique would be his strongest asset.
“My physique is important,” he said. “I’m big and tall, with strength.
“I have good skills on the ball, I can contribute with my passing and my shots are a strong point.”
Zirkzee said he believes he has arrived at a club where he can ‘grow and improve’ and said his first days in Parma have been ‘comfortable’.
“I immediately felt very comfortable here, it’s a big family,” he said. “I like the city a lot, it’s all within a very short distance and I think it’s a perfect place for me to grow and improve.
“I will try to give 100 per cent and if we do it all together, it would be possible to avoid relegation.
“The language can be a barrier, it was with the coach, but the other guys are helping me.
“The ambitions are many and I’m confident to achieve them. I think Parma is a great city, it’s know for its gastronomy, which I particularly appreciate.
“The chance to grow and develop my game, compared to Bayern’s, pushed me to come here. I will do everything to play as much as possible.”