Collecchio, 9 July 2024 - The words from Gialloblu defender Emanuele Valeri, during a press conference at the Mutti Training Center in Collecchio.

I AGREED STRAIGHT AWAY

“I was in contact with Lazio, we couldn't come to a solid agreement. The, Parma came into the picture and I jumped at the chance, it is an important project at an important Club with a lot of history. That's why I agreed straight away. I've felt their faith and I want to repay it on the pitch, I know what the Club wants and which are its projects. It's my third year in Serie A, this is another starting point with a big project. I hope to scale up from what I have done on a personal level, from the start of my career and now with Parma'.

THE FANS' IMPACT

“Fans? They're fundamental, they showed their support in the open training session and pushed us on. I can't wait to see them at the stadium. I have only played once at the Tardini, I also watched a game and seeing it from the outside made a big impression. I've been around the ground, visited the museum, you feel the weight of the Club'.

THE HISTORY

“Aside from the Coach, I know the Club's history well, it has big ambitions. I have already worked with Pecchia, I know how he operates and this counts for something, you have to win your spot on the pitch by training hard. I've come to an established squad, a good group and I'm integrating well. They're a solid group with good principles. This is an important starting point. In my past experiences, I have been in sides with initial unrest, it's more complicated like that. Starting from a solid foundation is good for every play, for the side and we're building on the fantastic achievement from last season. The city of Parma? I've been out of the sports centre a couple of times, I visited years ago with my first girlfriend and it's a beautiful city, it deserves a lot'.

FITTING INTO THE GROUP

“The set-up? I played this way for the Coach four years ago, it's a set up that suits me. These are all good players, I played Parma in Serie B two years ago. No one impressed me but I know they're all at a high-level. The talent in the team? Parma won by a mile last year, if you ask me, the group made all the difference. I found a solid side from the start and I am fitting in well. Every few games we will face a big side and Parma shouldn't be scared of any of them. We can play those games well. An impact can be made with teammates who are strong, quality players, we can work well'.