Javi Galán: "I’m where I want to be"

Defender Javi Galán was presented as a new Club Atlético Osasuna player at a news conference on Monday afternoon. In his first comments as an Osasuna player, Galán thanked the club and its leadership for bringing him to Pamplona.

“I want to thank the club, [sporting director] Braulio [Vázquez],[associate sporting director] Cata [Prieto], and [Osasuna scout] Alejandro Alfaro, who have been very important in making this possible,” Galán said. “I’m where I want to be. I’m 100% convinced about this decision, very happy and eager to contribute what I can. As Braulio said, this club’s identity fits who I am as a person, and I will try to perform at a very high level.”

The left back said Osasuna’s style of play also suits him well.

“It’s not just about identity, but also the way the team plays,” Galán said. “It’s a club whose style really matches my own. I’ve experienced that firsthand when I’ve come here as an opponent. The fans, the stadium — everything surrounding the club appeals to me. From the outside, it already looked very attractive, and they confirmed that for me, so I’m very happy.”

Galán also spoke about his first day with his new teammates.

“I’ve played with some of them before, but even from the outside you can see how strong the club’s identity is within the locker room,” he said. “They welcomed me incredibly well and made me feel very comfortable. I’m sure I’ll get along very well with everyone.”

Braulio Vázquez: ‘Javi has many of the qualities we look for at Osasuna’

Osasuna sporting director Braulio Vázquez accompanied Galán at the news conference and introduced the player.

“From a sporting perspective, everyone already knows what kind of player he is,” Vázquez said. “His versatility, the positions he can play and the level he comes from speak for themselves. Beyond that, what I value most is that he chose us.”

Vázquez emphasized Galán’s personal qualities and background.

“Football sometimes goes well and sometimes it doesn’t — it’s a game and depends on many factors — but what I’m certain about is that on a personal level we’ve made the right decision,” he said. “We know him very well, and when you think about the type of player we want at Osasuna, Javi has many of those qualities.”

Vázquez noted Galán’s rise from humble beginnings to playing for Atletico Madrid.

“He’s reached where he is through sacrifice and hard work,” Vázquez said. “Those values are what took him to a club as big as Atletico Madrid. I’d like to thank both Mateu Alemany and Carlos Bucero for the way they treated our club throughout this process.”

Vázquez said he is confident Galán will fit seamlessly into the locker room and the Navarrese community.

“In a locker room like ours and in a society like Navarra, with all the values it represents, I’m convinced he’ll fit right in,” he said. “Football can go one way or another, but as a person, he won’t disappoint us. We know him extremely well, and we’re grateful that he chose to commit to our project.”