Iker Muniain is now a San Lorenzo player. The former Athletic captain drew on his experience, humility, heart and savoir faire during his presentation as a player for El Ciclón. Shortly before appearing before the press, he carried out his first training session with his new teammates.
“I feel fine. I have already trained with my teammates today and I am ready to play. I have been working with a coach on my own this summer to be available and not start from scratch or have to do pre-season. I have worked hard all these months to feel good. Whenever the coach wants, I am available,” Muniain said.
Although the Navarrese footballer had made clear months ago his desire to play for River Plate, there was only one reference to such a possibility during this long press conference. Muniain was able to avoid the issue without further ado: “I thought about coming to Argentina from one day to the next, we got on a plane and flew in case a situation like the one that finally happened arose. Things in life should not be overthought. So we returned to Bilbao with things very clear and then, as soon as we landed in Argentina for the second time, we got in a car to meet with San Lorenzo and that was when everything was decided.”
Simple process
It was not the only explanation he had to give regarding why he wanted to sign for the Catalan club, which was the last thing that convinced him to accept this proposal. “The process was simple,” he said. “A video conference meeting from Bilbao with the president and others. We took a plane, came here and the meeting with the president and the coach finished convincing me. It was important that the coach told me the ideas he had and the interest they showed in me. Then all the parties did their part to close it.”
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Muniain was then asked if he had come to San Lorenzo to be champions. The former Lion did not disappoint on this occasion with his answer: “The fact that the manager was at that second meeting was decisive. When you notice such a strong interest, it helps you to decide more easily. I came here to help, to win. The ambition is maximum. San Lorenzo has to be where it belongs, which is at the top.”
The 31-year-old Navarrese footballer believes that this experience in Argentina has come at a good time. “I was really excited to come to Argentine football. I wanted to live that experience throughout my career. I feel great physically and mentally and I am at an ideal age. What I found in the country when I arrived was a lot of affection, a lot of love. I was pleasantly surprised by the treatment I received when I finished the medical tests. It was a wonderful moment. Seeing all those people cheering on San Lorenzo and welcoming me… It was wonderful to be received like that.”
Respect and humility
Asked about the involvement of Athletic’s fans and dressing room and a possible comparison with that of San Lorenzo, Muniain stressed that “in Bilbao our fans are some of the most loyal in Europe and the world and they live it intensely. Here it is the same. I will try to show myself as I am. With respect, with humility. I am the new one and I have to adapt. I will try to help the youngsters to continue growing. We will try to ensure that the support is perfect.”
This was not the only question that Muniain was asked about in terms of his sense of belonging: “It is something very important and I have always felt it in Bilbao and have lived it for many years. Here everyone has it too and this sense of belonging is very important because sometimes when the head and legs don’t work, the heart works to get things done. I feel very happy to feel part of all this.”
The new signing of the Blaugrana also made his message clear to the San Lorenzo fans: “The players and coaches are going to do everything in our power. We will prepare ourselves to compete for everything that lies ahead. We have a lot of ambition and we want to leave San Lorenzo as high as possible.”
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