Collecchio, 12 February 2025 - Mateo Pellegrino’s words from his presentation in the press room at Mutti Training Centre in Collecchio. He has been given the number 32 by CEO Federico Cherubini

PARMA IS THE BEST OPTION FOR ME

“I am very happy to be here. I chose Parma as it suited me best at this point in my career, above all because of Parma’s history in the 90s. I love football and I know that the team was very successful at this time with many Argentinian players. I am sure that Parma is the best decision for me. I made the decision myself, of course I was told great things about the club, but I want to make it clear: it was my choice. Parma is a great opportunity for my career and I want to continue to grow within Italian football. It wasn’t easy leaving Vélez as the deal was complicated but Parma assured me of the great advantages of joining the club and I am very grateful. I would’ve liked to have left Vélez differently. I don’t know the differences between Italian and Argentinian football yet as I have only been here a week. Maybe in six months time I can give you a proper answer. I have noticed some slightly different tactical differences, but it's too early to start comparing”.

I WILL GIVE MY ALL FOR PARMA 

“I consider myself a complete forward, I can score with my left, my right and my head. I can offer a lot of physical strength, effort and goals. I will give my all for Parma. I love to make the most of every opportunity and I will be ready to play when the manager decides. As I said, I will give my all for this team. The coach asked me to play next to the central defender who has possession of the ball, to act as a pivot, to offer quick support to speed up the team's offensive transitions. Nothing complicated, just simple tactical instructions. It's all pretty close right now. I just have to adapt quickly. It was easy to settle in. First of all because I speak four languages (Spanish, Italian, English and French) and, therefore, I can communicate with all my teammates. Nahuel and the ‘Toro’ (Valenti) have helped me a lot to fit in. This is a young group and I'm trying to get to know everyone so I can integrate 100%. I consider myself mature and professional for my age, thanks to my family's upbringing. And I think being mature and professional is one of my main characteristics, especially when I have to make decisions”.

CRESPO, A BIG INSPIRATION 

“Crespo is one of my inspirations as I know what he did here. He was a key player for Parma. I also remember his era playing for River Plate. I also followed him when he played for Milan, he is a complete forward and I like him a lot. And now he is an excellent manager. I hope to be remembered fondly like he still is”.

THE SQUAD WANTS TO REACT 

“The squad have had a tough run of results but I can see they want to react. The squad are determined to work to get out of this situation and I’m sure that we will manage it. On Sunday, we have a great chance against Roma, who are a strong side, but we will do all we can to bring the points home. My idol? I have a few idols, not one in particular. From a kid I watched Ronaldo on Youtube, now I watch Haaland. But there are others, I couldn’t choose only one. I follow many players”.

I HAVE FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD THANKS TO MY DAD

“My family and I have travelled everywhere with my dad. When I was in Italy and my dad was vice manager for Rafa Benitez at Inter I lived in Como, but I have also lived in England and Spain. At the beginning, I didn’t like changing cities all the time but I’m now grateful for it because I have experienced so many cultures and I learnt three languages. Now I have friends all around the World”.

CHRISTIAN WANTS TO COME HERE

“I spoke with Christian (Christian Nahuel Ordóñez), I have a great relationship with him and we were friends when we were younger. He has asked me about the city, the environment and the training. He wants to come here”.