kaiky: 'I want to show leadership and character'

Kaiky Fernandes Melo has appeared for the first time in the press room at the Power Horse Stadium. Speaking fluent Spanish, the player has highlighted the great opportunity he has to compete in one of the best football leagues in the world: 'Playing in LaLiga is richly rewarding; it's a big competition and it's followed all over the world. It seems to be that leaving Brazil has been the right choice for my progress. I'm adapting well, getting to know this competition little by little and I truly hope to play here for many years.'

Even though Kaiky is only 18 years old -the youngest player in the squad- he is actually a mature player on and off the pitch: 'Everything in my life has happened very quickly. I joined Santos FC when I was only 17...Let's say that I'm used to it.' The current Brazil U20 international does not shy away from pressure or responsibility despite his young age: 'From a very young age I've always been the captain of the teams I've played for, even in the lower tiers of the national team. I'm eager to contribute on and off the pitch. I considered myself as a true leader.'

The defender has highlighted that he has nothing but 'admiration' for his team-mate and compatriot Rodrigo Ely as well as the faith he has in Lázaro Vinicius: 'I saw him as a winger in Brazil, but he can play in any attacking position. When he played for Flamengo I liked his game a lot and I know he can contribute greatly to the team.'