Alcaraz determined to repay Saints' faith
Charly Alcaraz has expressed his gratitude to Southampton for giving him the chance to play in Europe, and spoke of his desire to help the club return to the Premier League after signing a new five-year contract at St Mary’s.
The 20-year-old Argentinian has already showcased his obvious talent since arriving in England in January from Racing Club in his homeland, producing some impressive performances in a variety of positions.
Whilst Alcaraz admits his English still needs work, he says he feels at home in Southampton, and committing his long-term future to the club is evidence of that as he continues to adapt to a new way of life at a young age.
“In truth, I think I adapted really well to the footballing level,” he said, speaking in his native tongue. “Sometimes the language makes things a bit harder because my English isn’t coming along that well, although I think maybe now I understand a bit more of what the staff and my teammates say to me.
“It’s hard to express my words sometimes in English, but luckily, thanks to my teammates, staff and my English teacher, I’m adapting well.
“Now that we’re in the Championship, I’ve still got the same desire to play and to get back to the Premier League, which is where I wanted to be when I arrived.
“Both me and the team, and everyone at Southampton, wants to get back there as soon as possible. Hopefully that’ll be when this Championship season finishes. I think we really deserve to get back there, and I’d love to be back in the Premier League with Southampton.”
It’s been quite a week for Alcaraz, who is also celebrating his first call-up to the Argentina national team, having been selected for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru.
“Since I was a young boy, when I first started playing football, I always wanted to reach the highest point; the highest point being the national team,” he revealed.
“The truth is, I was very surprised and I couldn't believe it, because it was like a dream that was coming true. It was an amazing feeling.
“I’m so happy. I really want to play for my country, it’s the best thing that can happen to me, and thanks to the club here at Southampton, which is helping me improve day by day, I can fulfil that dream.”
