Bekhruz Karimov has arrived in Lugano and spent his first day as a bianconeri player. The Uzbek full-back, born in 2007, fresh from representing his national team at the World Cup, has travelled to Ticino to officially begin his new adventure with FC Lugano.
FIRST DAY IN BIANCONERO
Colours Arriving at the AIL Arena first thing in the morning, Karimov began the day by having breakfast with the team, getting to know the staff and his first new teammates. After collecting his kit from the store, the new Bianconeri number 2 took part in the official photo and video shoot with the Club’s Content team.
Before getting ready for training, he also took his first steps onto the pitch at his new stadium. The morning then drew to a close in the changing rooms, where Karimov met the rest of the squad and got ready to head to the Al Maglio Training Centre, the venue for his first training session under Mattia Croci-Torti.
FIRST WORDS IN BIACONERO
At the end of his first few hours in Lugano, Karimov spoke about his feelings as he embarked on this new chapter: ‘FC Lugano represents a great springboard for my career. I’ve been given a very warm welcome right from the start and I’m really happy. This experience will play a very important role in my career and in my life. I’ll do my best to achieve great results together with FC Lugano.”
The move to Switzerland also fulfils a dream he’s had since childhood: “I’ve always dreamt of playing for a European club. After the World Cup, we considered several teams, and FC Lugano was among the options. We looked closely at the club and realised that it is a top-class organisation, both in terms of football and in terms of facilities and organisation. That’s why I chose Lugano.”
It was precisely his experience at the World Cup with Uzbekistan that marked an important milestone in the young Juventus player’s career: “It was a tremendous experience for me and a huge responsibility. I want to bring that same attitude to FC Lugano: I’ll shoulder my responsibilities and always give my absolute best.”
Karimov then described his approach on the pitch: “I try to play without fear and make the most of my qualities. If you’re not afraid, you can perform at your best and show everything you’re capable of. My aim is to achieve great results together with the team.”
Off the pitch, the 2007-born player is already working to settle into his new environment: “I try to stay calm and remain focused. At the moment, I’m also studying English and Italian.”
Finally, his first message to the Bianconeri supporters: “I’d ask the FC Lugano fans to keep supporting the team. We’ll do everything we can to make them happy with our performances and results.”
WATCH KARIMOV’S INTERVIEW