Blerim Dzemaili was officially introduced to the Montreal media, this Thursday morning at Centre Nutrilait, alongside Impact president Joey Saputo and technical director Adam Braz.
Visibly delighted to present the new Montreal designated player, Saputo underlined how Dzemaili’s profile ticks all the boxes when it comes to high-level athletes.
“He is intense and dedicated,” Saputo said. “He is incredibly talented. He has international experience, great character, and leadership.
“And, what’s more, he speaks French.”
Dzemaili, who speaks five languages, said he was thrilled to join the Bleu-blanc-noir, which had been his objective since the first negotiations that led him to sign at Bologna, last August, and at the Impact.
In order to get ready for the new challenge, not only did he have a chat with new teammate Marco Donadel, who’d been a colleague in Italy, but he also took the advice of fellow Swiss international Tranquillo Barnetta, who recently left the Philadelphia Union, and of former Montreal marksman Marco Di Vaio.
“[Di Vaio] was very excited for me,” Dzemaili said. “He spoke of what a great two years he had here. He said that he felt at home, and I’m sure that I’ll feel at home as well. It’s only been two days, but I’m already impressed. I already feel very comfortable.”
Already brought into play for the signing of Matteo Mancosu, the synergy between Bologna and Montreal is featured once more as Dzemaili arrives.
“And at 31, the player isn’t at the end of his career,” Saputo said. “He wanted to prove that he could still play in Europe, but he also wanted to come here. It’s an excellent example of this synergy.”
Added Adam Braz: “We’re really lucky to have a player like Blerim, a high-level player with quality, character and leadership. We’re really glad that he’s with us.”
