Collecchio, 22 August 2024 – Pontus Almqvist spoke during the presentation press conference in the press room of the Mutti Training Center in Collecchio, in the presence of Sporting Director Mauro Pederzoli.

Welcome address from Mauro Pederzoli: “Thank you once again for being here. I think it’s always right to say a few words and introduce a new player. It’s always a pleasant moment. I’m starting my fourth year as Sporting Director here, and every time I saw the shortlists presented by our scouts, Pontus Almqvist’s name was there. He has always been on our minds, and now I can finally introduce him to you'.

HISTORIC CLUB AND INTERNATIONAL TEAM

'My feelings in these first few days in Parma? I’m very honoured to be here. This is a club with a great history, and when I learned of their interest in me, I immediately had very positive feelings. I’m settling in very well in these early weeks, and it feels as though I’ve been here for a long time. The city is also very beautiful and peaceful, and this is a club of professionals. What impressed me about Parma? As soon as I learned of the club’s interest, I had the impression that it was an interesting and important place. After speaking with Pecchia, I felt even more confident. He told me that if I was ready to work right away, opportunities would come. It felt as if we had known each other for a long time, and it was clear to me that my destination was here. Parma is a historic club, which is already a strong starting point. Additionally, Parma’s style of play suits my characteristics well. Many Swedish legends have played here, and I’m in a very international club with players of international calibre. I thought Parma was the right step for my career growth. I will definitely learn Italian, I started three days ago. It is important to me and a priority, both personally and professionally. I really like Italy and would like to stay here. I believe Serie A is the best league and teaches you a lot, also due to the quality of the teams. I enjoy Italian food, the climate, and the people'.

GIALLOBLU DEBUT

'My debut in the match against Fiorentina? I had very positive feelings. I really liked the Tardini, especially because of the fans' closeness to the pitch and the chance to feel their support. I believe I did well, I am working well, and I need to continue on this path. I hope to have opportunities to showcase my qualities on the field even more. On Saturday, I saw the style of play I was expecting, which I like and which suits my characteristics well. I’m happy to be here. Did I expect to debut immediately? I’m ready for anything, and the choices depend on the coach. Whether I play 1 minute or all 90 minutes, I will give everything I can on the pitch'.

FAST AND QUALITY PLAYER

'Where would I like to play? I’ve played in different roles and covered all three attacking positions: right winger, left winger, and central forward. I’m comfortable in any of these positions, the coach will decide. As for my qualities, I am very fast, have good technique, and I want to show the team what I can do. My current physical condition? I feel very good. I trained extensively over the summer in Sweden with my personal trainer. Obviously, it’s different when you start training with a team, but I feel very good, almost at 100%'.

TOUGH LEAGUE

'Last year at Lecce? My first season in Serie A taught me that you can never give up in any game and that every match is difficult, whether against the strongest teams or the less renowned ones. Every team has the qualities and the chance to win. I learned that you need to stay focused for all 90 minutes. My start last year? In a season, there are always ups and downs. At the beginning of last season, I felt very free, which allowed me to perform well. Then I got injured halfway through the season and was never able to fully recover. Now I have no physical issues; this is a new start, and I want to continue on the path I started last season at Lecce'.

IBRAHIMOVIĆ, KULUSEVSKI, AND BROLIN

'If I were to meet Zlatan Ibrahimović on Saturday at Tardini? I’ve already played against AC Milan last year at Lecce and tried to speak with him, but he had already left. If there’s an opportunity to see him on Saturday, we’ll definitely talk. About what? We’ll see depending on how the game goes. Kulusevski? I would really like to follow in his footsteps here at Parma as well. I have complete trust in Pecchia. I also got along very well with D’Aversa at Lecce. Together with Pecchia, I believe we can achieve great things. Tomas Brolin? I posted some content with other Swedish players here at Parma with the Media Team, and Brolin immediately shared my post. That’s where the idea came from to do something with him here in Parma, maybe a video for social media or something in the media realm'.

PARMA VS. AC MILAN

'The match on Saturday against AC Milan? I’m working hard to prepare in the best way possible and to be at my best physically, while also approaching the game with ease. As a team, we want to maintain the continuity we’ve had in the past, and there is maximum trust among us as a group and in the coach. We want to take the field, showcase our game, and enjoy ourselves'.