Lisandro Martinez.

New boy Martinez can 'feel the fire'

Wednesday 27 July 2022 18:00

Lisandro Martinez says he will "fight for everything" and can "feel the fire" after completing his switch from Ajax to United, admitting he cannot wait to get started.

The defender has finally joined up with Erik ten Hag and his new team-mates, and Reds everywhere will appreciate his passion for his new club.
 
Our new Argentinian has spent time with club media for an exclusive interview, released today on ManUtd.com and the United App, and it gives a great flavour of Lisandro's personality and drive to succeed.

“Now I can feel the fire, you know?” he grinned, shortly after arriving at Carrington. “I want to train right now, with the team. For sure, we will work hard to put the club in the high levels.”
Sneak peek at Martinez's signing interview Video

Sneak peek at Martinez's signing interview

Watch a preview of Lisandro Martinez’s signing interview, before the full Q&A drops at 10:00 BST on Thursday…

Martinez enjoyed a highly successful three-year spell at Ajax, but attributes his achievements to the lessons he learned as a youngster in his native land.
 
“Our culture is a lot of passion,” he revealed. “Especially in football. As a player, I left my house when I was 14 years old, so then you have to take responsibility on yourself. 
 
“At 14 years old, you have to be a man. Then you have to fight for everything. You have to fight for food, you have to fight for your family, you have to fight for your team. Then you learn a lot: how hard life is.”
Martinez follows a long line of Argentinians to have represented United, and says he never dreamed he would make it to one of the world's most famous clubs.
 
“In the beginning, not so many people believed in me. So, yeah, it’s difficult in Argentina, especially when you start. When you start to play football, it’s like you don’t think for sure [you are going to make it as a professional]. 
 
“You believe in yourself but it’s difficult to take this step [into the game], you know, because it’s a big step. It’s not easy to think that, at some point, I’ll play for Manchester United. It’s difficult.”
Argentinian fans are renowned for their fervent backing, and playing in front of United's huge support is another aspect of the transfer that has him champing at the bit.
 
“I will give my 100 per cent every game, in every training [session],” he insists. “For sure, also the team, we will do it. We will play as a team.
 
“For sure, I know the fans from Manchester United – I watch videos, and when I watch a game, and some opinions also, the fans from Manchester United are so passionate. 
 
“But I like that passion, because football is about it also.”

Both weekend friendlies - against Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano - will be shown live on the United App, ManUtd.com and MUTV..

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