RAFA MIR: "I WILL DO MY UTMOST TO HELP PUT THIS CLUB WHERE IT DESERVES TO BE"

When asked about the transfer window, the striker only wanted to focus on his new club: "This is football, I have nothing to talk about any club other than Sevilla FC. I have little to say about it". Attentions then turned to how his arrival came about, thanks to Monchi: "We talked throughout the transfer window and throughout the year. He showed me his trust and affection, and that's what made me decide to come here. That trust from the club has been very important. I'm here to work very hard and to repay their trust". 

Rafa appeared to be very grateful for the confidence placed in him as he arrived in Andalusia: "I'm made up, I'm very happy that they've been able to speak like this about me. It helps me to keep working with a lot of enthusiasm. What I want is to do is demonstrate what type of footballer I am. I've signed for many years, it's a shame that Monchi did not tie me down for longer. I'll work hard and give my all to help my teammates and do whatever the coach asks of me". 

"What I want is to do is demonstrate what type of footballer I am"

Sevilla FC was an attractive option for him: "I chose Sevilla FC because it is a great project, an ambitious project. They have shown me their confidence. I am very happy to be here". Rafa Mir was also upbeat about his debut last night: "I'm happy to have got minutes, and I felt very good. That will help me gain confidence and keep working hard for everything that lies ahead. We have a very exciting season ahead of us. We'll work as hard as we can, we have the squad and the coaching staff to be able to do it". 

The man from Murcia is fully aware of the importance of the number 12 jersey, once worn by Kanouté: "I know it's a historic number for Sevilla, I'm happy to wear the same number as a Sevilla legend in Kanouté. I hope to make the same journey he made at the club. He was a legend for the club and I am very happy to be able to wear that number". 

When asked about objectives, the striker only focused on the next match: "We're focused on going day by day, we'll see how things go at the end of year. We have the squad to fight for everything, we'll see what happens. We go day by day, and work hard. I've been able to see clear ideas in my first few days here with my teammates and coach. We'll work very hard".  

"We have the squad to fight for everything, we'll see what happens"

On a similar note, when asked about a possible title challenge, Rafa stated that he is focusing on the short term: "We're enthusiastic about working day by day. That's how we'll work, and next up is the match against Elche. Working day by day allows you to reach the end of the season with options". 

Mir is very happy with the welcome from his new teammates: "They have received me very well, I am very grateful to my teammates and to the club for the welcome I have received. Yesterday we could see the team spirit, everyone is very united. I'm very happy in the dressing room. I've only been here a few days but I can feel their warmth. We'll keep working day by day to have more evenings like yesterday's". 

"Yesterday we could see the team spirit"

The striker feels very comfortable alongside En-Nesyri on the pitch: "At the end of the day, it's the coach who decides. With En-Nesyri and myself up front we were very comfortable, and created quite a few chances. The coach decides and we're ready for everything, to play with either one or two strikers. During my career I've also played on the wing. I'm ready to play wherever the coach tells me to". 

When asked about the offers he received in the transfer window, he made it clear that he has picked the right club to continue his career: "I'm very happy to be here, finally our paths have crossed. I'm very happy to be here and so are my family. I'm in the ideal place".

"I'm in the ideal place"

Although he has individual aims, Mir is keen to help the team: "I'm concentrating on working day by day, to keep growing as a player. We'll see what the future brings regarding the national team. I'm concentrating on Sevilla and giving my all for the club and my teammates. The national team is a reward that does not depend on me. I'll work hard to help my teammates and club, then we'll see what happens with the national team". 

He also valued learning the concepts that Lopetegui has taught him since his arrival: "I've been here a few days, the coach is explaining his concepts little by little. I can do what he's asking of me. We'll see how everything progresses. I am calm and happy to be here, to have his confidence. Lopetegui has been an important part of me coming here. He showed that by giving me minutes after just a few days. I'll give my all and do whatever he asks me to do". 

"Lopetegui has been an important part of me coming here"

Rafa Mir is not fazed by the pressure of being at Sevilla FC: "I'm calm, this is a big club so of course there's pressure. I can live with it, I wanted to take a step forward and that's what it means. There's no pressure with En-Nesyri. The more good options the coach has, it's better for the club. There's no pressure there". To finish, the striker did not want to set a goalscoring target, and is focusing on the work at hand: "No, I'm not setting a target. I'll work hard to give my all and bring as much as I can".