The new signings were unveiled in front of the media on Friday
Diego Conde and Pape Gueye have been officially unveiled as Villarreal players. The Yellows’ two new signings were presented in the press room at the Estadio de la Cerámica, alongside the club’s sporting director, Miguel Ángel Tena.
Before the players spoke, Miguel Ángel Tena welcomed the players to the club and highlighted what the players will bring to the team: “[Diego Conde and Pape Gueye] are two players that we were clear about wanting to bring to the club. They will make the team more competitive.”
The sporting director went on to praise both players: “Pape was a fantastic opportunity in the market. We know about his potential and what he can give us. Marcelino also knows him from his time at Olympique de Marseille. Diego is a great goalkeeper. He won the Zamora trophy in the Segunda División with CD Leganés [in the 2023/24 season].”
Pape Gueye, who spoke Spanish in the press conference, stated that he was grateful and excited about his arrival at Villarreal CF. “It is a great opportunity for me, and I want to thank the club. I want to achieve big things here. I know LALIGA because I played at Sevilla FC for six months. My objective is to help the team and play at my best level.”
In terms of his goals, the Senegalese midfielder said that the collective objective is to return to European football. “We have great players, and we want to aim to qualify for Europe. This is the club’s objective. We want to finish higher than the past season. The whole team wants this. I would love to play in the Champions League or the Europa League with Villarreal.”
He expressed his delight at the prospect of playing under Marcelino, after working with the coach at Olympique de Marseille: “[Marcelino] is a great coach. He knows my qualities. He knows what kind of a player I am. This is a great opportunity for me. I want to progress; I feel young and ready. I want to learn from my new teammates, and everything is very positive.”
Just like his new teammate, Diego Conde expressed his gratitude to Villarreal and the club directors, and he promised to repay the club’s faith on the pitch. “I know that the club have made an investment for me. I want to thank them for believing in me. I want to repay them with performances and hard work. I want us to get back into Europe and I am ready to perform and contribute as much as possible.”
He also stated how eager he was to join the club when the opportunity arose: “I did not think. I know this great club and its project, which is aligned with my goals. I have already started to get to know the club from inside. It is a step forward in my career. I could not let this massive opportunity pass me by after a great season. Now I have to respond with performances. That is why I have come here.”
Conde also spoke about what he will bring to the team: “I am a very hardworking professional. I am an offensive goalkeeper, who likes to take part in the game. I look to improve to be a better goalkeeper every day. I am a competitive professional.”
