PSG have completed the signing of Lorient striker Kevin Gamiero. Moments after his signing he gave an interview to PSG.fr where he explained his decision to move the the French capital, despite interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
Kevin, you’ve literally just signed for PSG. What are your first feelings?
“I’m very happy and very proud. It’s my home club. My family and friends are here. I’ve always dreamed of playing at the Parc des Princes, scoring goals in this stadium. It’s fantastic! I really love PSG. I’ve supported the club since I was a kid. They’ve got a very exciting project here.”
You had a lot of clubs chasing your signature. In the end, the fact that PSG isn’t playing Champions League football next season wasn’t a factor…
“No. I thought long and hard about my transfer. I chose PSG because it’s a huge French club. I think next season, the club could have a really great campaign. And PSG is my club!”
Did Laurent Blanc’s words of advice influence you?
“All the media were at that press conference. I took his words into account. We’re one year out from Euro 2012 and you shouldn’t take too many risks. I’m really, very happy.”
You hail from the Paris region. Did you go to the Parc des Princes when you were younger?
“I went to several matches with my dad. They were always great games with a fabulous PSG team. I really liked Marco Simone. When I watched PSG play, I used to tell my parents that one day I’d be out there! That’s going to happen next year. I really liked Simone’s style. He was a pure striker with fantastic instincts.”
Have you set yourself any aims, both personal and collective, for the coming season?
“For myself, my aim is always to do better than the season before. I will try and have a good preseason and adapt to my new club and teammates as quickly as possible. We’ll see what happens from there. We know we have to have a good season. We need to make a good start to the championship.”
Every season you’ve been a pro, you’ve scored more goals than the season before. So next season you’ll score at least 23 next year…
“Touch wood! I’ll be trying to get there, but the key is to have a good preseason. My understanding with my new teammates will develop during the preseason friendlies and during the first games of the championship. I’m not worried about that.”
You’ll debut at the Parc des Princes in the opening day of the Ligue 1 season against… you’re former team Lorient!
“It’s a really important match because it’s crucial to start well. It will be my first game at the Parc des Princes – I hope I play!! Playing against my mates at Lorient will be great.”