Collecchio, 23 July 2024 - “Thank you for coming here to my presentation. I’m happy to have joined a team with such a big history. Thank you!” Zion Suzuki finished off this press conference with these words in Italian, drawing applause from the entire press room at the Mutti Training Centrer in Collecchio. A big smile and some Italian to introduce himself to the Parma fans and his new environment.

These were Zion Suzuki’s comments during the press conference:

AMAZING AFFECTION

“From my first day, I’ve felt real affection from the team; that’s my first impression. And that hasn’t only come from the players and the coach, it’s also come from everyone working for Parma Calcio. The most important thing is that Parma Calcio really wanted me, more than any other team. Therefore, I chose to come here. I want to play as much and as well as possible, and I’ll give everything. The team are back in Serie A after a few years away, and I want to go on this adventure with the team. The goalkeeping group have welcomed me with open arms. There will be competition to beat, just like in any team. I’ll do my best, and I want to contribute and help the team with the coach’s playing style in mind.”

TEAM UNITY

“Serie A is a high-quality league with very good goalkeepers across the division. I haven’t followed all too many games in Italy but have seen the big sides who play in Europe, and they have excellent goalkeepers. I get the sense that the team is very united, and, with this unity, I think I can play well and, in turn, help the team. I’ve only been training here for a week and am studying how we play. In terms of going forward from the back, it’s similar to how I played at Sint-Truiden.”

FROM BUFFON TO NAKATA

“My big strength is my long kicking, which is something the team can exploit. Right now, I’m trying to understand how the team plays. I’m having a great time in Parma and the locals have been really friendly, while the food is also fantastic. I know that Buffon and Nakata played here, but I have to be honest and say that I haven’t seen a lot of their matches. However, I’ll be happy if I play like those who have made history here; it’d mean I’d be remembered.”

MY OBJECTIVE

“I’d like to play every match or as many matches as possible. I understand the pressure that Parma’s investment brings, but the thing I can do is train well and play as best I can. Many people here speak English and will certainly help me. I’ve already started Italian lessons and hope to speak the language as soon as possible. I played for half an hour against Antwerp, and it isn’t easy coming on as a substitute. It went well: we came away with the result we wanted, and I made two saves.”

Before Zion Suzuki spoke, Managing Director Sport, Roel Vaeyens, had the following to say to those present: “Today, we present Zion. It’s an honour to have him in our family. We’re happy that he’ll wear the Parma Calcio shirt. Zion is very young but has already shown his great qualities, starting in Japan at Urawa Reds. In that period, many clubs in Europe were interested in him. In order to gain experience, Zion chose to go to Sint-Truiden in Belgium. Our scouting team followed him closely. We know how he works, and we know all about his playing style, his character and his mentality. We spoke to a lot of people, and those who have worked with him have always expressed positive opinions. He’s a great professional and constantly looking to improve. Everyone knows our philosophy of playing with young and talented players supplemented by a few more experienced heads. After his season at Sint-Truiden, many clubs in Europe were interested in him and it wasn’t easy to secure his services, but he made a made a choice to improve. He believes in our philosophy and wanted to come here. And we wanted him to come here, so we’re happy. I wish you all the best for this adventure: good luck and welcome, Zion.”