Corentin Tolisso has arrived at FC Bayern! Some four weeks after inking a contract with the German record champions the new signing officially reported to the Säbener Strasse HQ on Monday.
"My name is Corentin Tolisso, I'm 22 years old, usually cheerful and generous. I like to work hard, and I hope you all will know me better soon," the Frenchman told media representatives in the press centre before taking to the training ground for the first time in the afternoon. However, Coco did not get to know all his new team-mates as boss Carlo Ancelotti only welcomed those players who took up pre-season preparation on Monday, such as Robert Lewandowski.
"We've watched him for a long time," declared chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, explaining why the club signed Tolisso. "He's hard-running, determined, quick and dangerous in front of goal. Coco fits in well with us, and I think we'll enjoy having him as our player."
But which position will Tolisso fill? "I feel most comfortable in defensive or central midfield," revealed the versatile youngster, "central midfield more than anything else as I can attack more from there." Tolisso was involved in 21 goals at Olympique Lyon last season, scoring 14 himself. But the Frenchman has defensive quality too: "I'll play where the coach fields me."
'Many young kids dream of Bayern'
Tolisso has been looking forward to joining the German record champions for weeks: "I joined FC Bayern because they're one of the best clubs in the world, if not the best." Assistant coach Willy Sagnol has briefed his compatriot: "He's told me about the club, Carlo Ancelotti and also the city. He's given me a very good impression, I liked it very much."
Besides the action on the pitch Tolisso aims to work at his desk too: "Of course I want to learn German very quickly, even if I've heard it's a difficult language," Tolisso said, taking the task seriously: "But I'm very motivated because I know how crucial it is to speak the language." So far the 22-year-old knows basic terms like Ich bin (I am), Danke or Hallo.
Tolisso is still living in a hotel, but is eagerly looking for a permanent home. "It's important to me to have my personal space soon," said the midfielder, who was a Bayern fan as a kid. "Many young kids dream of FC Bayern, it's such a great club." His dream has come true. Welcome to FC Bayern, Corentin!
