João Palhinha’s FC Bayern journey begins: Exceptional character & great passion

Hello and welcome to FC Bayern, João Palhinha! The 29-year-old was introduced as a new FC Bayern player in a press conference with board member for sport Max Eberl on Tuesday. It was obvious that Palhinha is really looking forward to getting started at his new club. “The first impressions are really great," said the German record champions’ new signing. "I'm really enjoying it and looking forward to being on the pitch with the lads and pulling on the shirt. It makes me very proud to have this opportunity."

Palhinha underlined his excitement for his new role with more than just his statements at the unveiling press conference. Whether it was a photo of his son in a Bayern kit, or a picture of the Allianz Arena, the defensive midfielder has also expressed his passion for his new club on his Instagram profile in recent days. “The way Bayern have looked after me has left nothing short of a very positive impression,” said the Portuguese international.

Palhinha also found out about his new home in Munich in talks with former Bayern players and fellow countrymen João Cancelo and Renato Sanches. “They spoke very favourably of the city," revealed the midfielder. "I believe that I will feel very comfortable here with my family. It's fantastic for me to be able to play in such a city and for such a club."

Palhinha: I'm proud to have been given this opportunity

Last summer, Palhinha's transfer to Munich fell through at the eleventh hour. “I didn't think that Bayern would come back for me," said the 29-year-old. "When the transfer didn't happen, it was a disappointment for me and my family. It was a hard one to swallow. Then you must pick yourself back up and give everything on the pitch again to get another opportunity like that. It makes me very proud that I got this opportunity. It was a very proud moment for me.”

Max Eberl on Palhinha: 'Exceptional character'

Board member for sport Eberl emphasised the mentality of the new FCB midfielder: “When you work on a transfer for so long, you can speak of a 'desired signing'. We are very happy that he has decided to sign for us, despite the difficult past year. That is also testament to his exceptional character.” Eberl also underlined Palhinha's outstanding sporting qualities: “João is a great player. He brings experience, presence, physicality, heading power and is simply put a good footballer.”

First training session and Audi Summer Tour

After making it to the quarter-finals of the European Championship with Portugal, Palhinha was given an extended holiday. The midfielder then arrived in Munich at the weekend and started his preparations with his new club together with the returning German internationals. “I'm ready!" he declared. "We spent the first two days doing performance tests, tomorrow we'll hit the training pitch for the first time and then head to South Korea,” added Palhinha, looking towards the eventful days ahead.

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Find the main statements from the press conference with Palhinha and Eberl here: