Real Betis Balompié has presented today central defender Aïssa Mandi as new Green-and-White player. Mandi has appeared in press conference alongside Chairman Ángel Haro, and Director of Football Miguel Torrecilla.

Before answering in French the questions made by the media, Mandi wanted to say a few words in Spanish: “I’m sorry if I’m not speaking in Spanish today. It’s because I still speak very slowly but I’m going to learn quickly. I want to say that I’m very happy to be here and I hope I can make a good season with Betis.”

Praised by Poyet: “I have to adapt to the team first. There’s a huge competition in the team and in the defensive line. I’m coming to a new country and a new competition. I aspire to become a leader, but first I need to adapt to the team and LaLiga.”

Other options: “I chose Betis because I was very interested in Spanish football. I knew Betis fans already, and I wanted to come to a club with such fans. I was interested since the very beginning. It was also very important what I spoke with Miguel Torrecilla and Gustavo Poyet. They made feel I was going to be important. I had offers from France, England, and Germany, but I was certain about Betis.”

What has surprised you the most so far?: “The fans haven’t surprised me because I already knew them, I had seen them before. However, the amount of people supporting the team all the time is really impressive. Also, the team is really professional, more than in France. They are all the time looking after the player, making sure he is focused on the team and not distracted by other stuff.”

Target of the season: “Other strong point about coming to Betis was that it is a very ambitious club. The Club has already targets for the season but I hope they can be improved throughout the season. In June we’ll be able to draw conclusions about it.”