Santiago Gimenez has introduced himself at FC Porto, admitting that things with AC Milan did not go as he had hoped.
On Monday night, Porto confirmed the signing of Gimenez on an initial loan deal with an option to buy. There is actually a conditional obligation to buy, which would be triggered if certain objectives are met, so the Mexican may have already played his last game for Milan.
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Having signed in the 2025 January window from Feyenoord, big things were expected of the centre-forward. He started brightly but ultimately got bogged down in a league goal drought, and the arrival of Goncalo Ramos for a club-record fee from PSG pushed him towards the exit door.
‘Taught me a lot’
Gimenez gave an interview to Porto’s official channel after his announcement. He shed some light on the decision to make the switch and what happened at Milan, with MilanNews relaying the key bits.
How do you feel after completing the move?
“I’ll give my life for FC Porto and leave everything on the pitch to make the most of this great opportunity. Every time I play, that flame will burn brightly. Together, we will achieve great things.
“I’m so happy. My first impressions are fantastic. I’ve already seen the Estádio do Dragão and the city, and I’m really impressed. I’m thrilled with what I’ve seen so far, and it’s only day one.
“It was a very important decision, because I want to continue writing my own story and feel like a fundamental part of the team. Throughout my career, I’ve always played for great clubs, and FC Porto is another of them.
“It’s a step that will greatly enrich my journey. I want to build a great understanding with the team and the fans, so I can continue to grow and win more trophies. It’s wonderful to be here.”
Tell us about your career beginnings…
“My debut with Cruz Azul was incredible: a dream come true. I remember clearly being very nervous, but in the end, I realised that all the sacrifices I made as a child were worth it, because I had managed to realise my dream of playing in the first division.
“From that moment on, I dedicated myself 100% to football, always desiring a successful career in Europe. Thank God, I’m achieving it.”
You are young, but have experience…
“Without a doubt, my past experiences have prepared me for this moment. Everyone saw my growth at Cruz Azul and the fruits that evolution brought me at Feyenoord. At Milan, I didn’t perform at the level I would have liked, but those years taught me a lot.
“Now I will put all that experience to good use. I feel like a new person, and this is a new opportunity. I’m hungry, and a great fire burns inside me; I want to show everyone here what I’m made of.”
Good luck 🤞🏻 man. Too bad it don’t worked out with us.
Didn’t *
yea. He had the right attitude and injuries didnt help him. But at big clubs, attitude alone doesnt cut it. u need to score goals and he didnt.