"Hello, how are you?," said Alphonso Davies in German without hesitation – and the Canadian new signing had no problems on Tuesday in his first encounter with the press since joining FC Bayern. The 18-year-old was relaxed and calm as he faced the media at the training camp in Doha.
It was a different situation seven weeks ago in Munich when Davies first stepped into the changing room at his new club: Up to that point, the winger only knew his new team-mates from seeing them on TV or on a games console. "When you see the lads in real life or play alongside them then you do get a bit nervous," the winger had to admit. Then as now, it is "a great honour to play for this big club and to be on the pitch with the other players."
The forward has now overcome his initial inhibitions. He has been training with his team-mates since the end of November and is now looking to get time on the pitch in the second half of the season. "I want to do my best in every training session and if I get the chance then I hope I can take it," said a confident Davies. But the talented youngster initially wants to "learn from experienced players."
Canada's player of the year will wear the number 19 shirt for Bayern. "It's the year I’m eligible to play for this amazing club," he said in explaining his choice. Before Davies can really get going, he faces a small hurdle – his initiation song in front of the rest of the squad. "Thiago told me about it," declared the youngster before adding: "I'll have to find the right song."
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