Right at the start of the summer transfer window FC Bayern have signed a new big-name player. Brazil international Douglas Costa joins the Reds from Shakhtar Donetsk on a five-year deal, keeping him in Munich until 30 June 2019.
“We’re happy he’s here,” said sporting director Matthias Sammer after the first FCB training session, albeit without the new signing as yet. “We’ve been following him for a long time. We’ve watched him a lot and we’re impressed by his physical qualities. We’re expecting him to take the next step up in his development,” added Sammer. After inking his contract, the 24-year-old winger gave his first interview to fcbayern.de.
Interview: Douglas Costa
fcbayern.de: Douglas Costa, welcome to Munich! What are your first impressions of FC Bayern and, above all, the Brazilian weather we’ve organised specially for you?
Douglas Costa: “I’m very, very happy to be here and being able to wear the shirt. I’m very well and the heat here will make it very easy for me to settle in. It’s all perfect.”
fcbayern.de: You signed a five-year contract today. Can you tell us about the discussions you’ve had with FC Bayern, when the first contact was made and how the past days and weeks have been?
Douglas Costa: “I’m happy to be able to wear the Bayern shirt for the next five years. Negotiations started as soon as FC Bayern showed they were interested. I was keen to sign straight away. And I hope I can live up to my own expectations.
fcbayern.de: Lots of fans know you from the Champions League meetings between FCB and Shakhtar. How are things off the pitch and what do you do in your spare time?
Douglas Costa: “I like spending time with my family and otherwise, football is a key part of my life. I train a lot on my own away from the official training sessions.”
fcbayern.de: Do you have specific targets now you’ve joined FC Bayern?
Douglas Costa: “If you wear the club shirt you obviously want to win titles. That could be the Bundesliga, DFB Cup or Champions League but I’d really like to finish top in all the competitions.”
fcbayern.de: When will you start training with the squad? You’ve just played in the Copa America and you’ll be needing a break first?
Douglas Costa: “I’ll join the squad on 11 July. I can hardly wait and I’m really looking forward to training with the rest of the lads.”
fcbayern.de: Thank you for the interview and again welcome to Munich. We hope you have a great holiday and a lot of success at FC Bayern!
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