Nelson Semedo ready to take on the responsibility of playing for Barça
The Portuguese right-back spoke at his presentation on Friday at Camp Nou
He joins Barça from Benfica in a deal which could go up to 35 million euros
Nelson Semedo is now a Barcelona player. Barça have paid 30 million euros for him plus five million more in variables and his release clause is 100 million euros.
The Portuguese right-back came across as shy at his presentation on Friday, but at the same time excited to get started in the next chapter of his career at Camp Nou.
Semedo, who was presented alongisde sporting director Robert Fernandez, said: "Barcelona was always my first option, I didn’t even think about any other offers.
"Everybody did great work to negotiate this deal. We knew it would be difficult to push the transfer through but I have been really happy with how things have progressed since I learned of Barça’s interest."
Before that, he had said: "I would like to thank Barca for this opportunity and the confidence they have shown in me. I am very proud to where this shirt and I will do everything I can for this club.
"This is a great club, I already knew that but I have realised even more so today. I like the city, too, and am looking forward to getting know it. I hope these are going to be good years for me and for Barça."
Semedo, 23, also revealed that he hasn't always been a full-back: "I originally played as a midfielder at Benfica but the coach decided I was better as a full-back. That’s where I became a professional. I have tried to learn from lots of people, taking bits from different places, while also applying my own style to my football, too.
"In the last four years I have developed a lot, created a new style of play thanks to the managers and the teams I have been with, they have helped a lot. If it wasn’t for them, perhaps I wouldn’t be here today. I am ready for the challenge and you can trust me to deliver."
