Rafa Marin: “Napoli is a dream come true. I learned a lot at Real”

“For me, being in Napoli is another dream come true. I'm in a big club.” With these words, Rafa Marin introduced himself in his first press conference after being purchased by Real Madrid for eleven million euros.

The new Azzurri defender, who has chosen the number 16 shirt, shared his first impressions accompanied by the general manager, Manna. Marin, 22, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to play in Serie A: “I've always wanted to play in Serie A, I'm happy with the decision I made and my teammates welcomed me very well.” The young defender brings with him the experience gained at Real Madrid and during his loan at Alaves. “Real teaches you a fundamental value: the cult of work from an early age.

Results do not depend on luck but on work, I carry this teaching with me".

The defender has indicated Sergio Ramos as his role model, admiring him for his grit and behavior off the pitch. “I’m playing right winger now, but I’m versatile and can play in any defensive role.” Marin also spoke about his adaptation to Napoli and the differences compared to his previous experiences: “I want to learn a lot from Conte because it will be very useful to me in the future. With Alaves, the objective was always safety, while here the coach asks us to be more offensive and aggressive.

I paid a bit for the physical effort at the beginning because the preparation here is harder, but we adapt and work hard to reach the goal".

The defender stressed the importance of a good defense to achieve success: “We work on the movements on the line, Tale he is keen to keep it no higher than 30 metres between attack and defence. With his teammates I already have automatic reactions, I think the coach is happy because he sees daily improvements.

Especially during the friendlies, you can see that there is a team. We are working hard defensively, I think that winning a victory comes from a good defense”.

Finally, Marin commented on the possibility of becoming a starter: “Me the owner?

It doesn't depend on me, I have to be ready when an opportunity is given to me". With these words, Napoli's new signing demonstrated determination and humility, ready to contribute to the team's success.