Rayo Vallecano officially presented recent signings Derek Boateng and Diego Aguirre on Tuesday, with both players looking forward to playing attractive football with the club in La Liga.

Rayo Vallecano president Raúl Martín Presa opened proceedings at the presentation press conference for two of his latest recruits, beginning with explaining why he is so pleased to have signed Ghanaian midfielder, Derek Boateng.

“He’s a signing we tried to make last year, but circumstances didn’t permit it. He joins us to reinforce our defensive midfield position, given that we’ve lost Saúl. He’s a player with an abundance of international and La Liga experience. Hopefully this international and domestic experience will help us stay in the Primera, which is our objective. I’m very happy to have a player of his level and experience. I wish him all the best of fortune with us.”

For his part, Boateng expressed his pleasure at how he’s been welcomed to the club, promising that he will offer the very best of himself for Rayo.

“I’ve come here to give everything for this club, to give my best and I’m very happy with how I’ve been welcomed, both by the manager and my new team-mates. Being made to feel so welcome is very important to me and I’m very happy to be here.”

Given that the club president had explained Boateng had almost signed for the club previously, the 31-year-old added that he’s been a keen follower of Rayo ever since. He also explained that he’s aware of what’s expected of him, from manager Paco Jémez.

“I’ve been following the team because they were already interested in me last January, but circumstances prevented the move from happening then. I really like the way the team looks to be in control of the ball, so I’ll be happy at Rayo. I know what Paco expects of me and what I need to do. I’ll be expecting tough games, where we’ll have to fight and maintain ourselves at this level, whilst also looking to finish amongst the top ten.”

Presenting the second of the two players at the presentation, the Rayo president expressed his enthusiasm that Diego Aguirre is a player with a lot of potential to offer the team, despite making a leap from Segunda B to the Primera.

“He’s a player we followed closely all last season, despite him playing in Segunda B and he was one of the outstanding players at that level. We’re very confident in him, hopeful that he can demonstrate everything he has at Rayo and continue his progression. The very best of luck to him with us this season.”

Aguirre couldn’t hide his pleasure at joining Rayo, believing it’s a superb opportunity he’s been offered by the club.

“I’m really enthusiastic and keen to be here. To debut in the Primera is a great challenge for me, so nothing beats the enthusiasm I have right now.”

Making a move from the third-tier of Spanish football to the top-flight, isn’t something that the 23-year-old fears, feeling it will help him realise his potential.

“I’m not afraid of making the jump in levels, but I do respect it. I hope that I’ll steadily improve with my team-mates and I think we can do something important, with the fans behind us. I’ve joined a team that is putting a good group of players together, who are young and keen to work hard. I think that with patience and enthusiasm, we can achieve something important.

Aguirre was also pleased with his welcome at the club and has already noted the effort that will be required of him, from manager Paco Jémez.

“I’ve been well received, as another part of the team and I’m thankful for that. I’ve only been working with Paco for a few days, but he’s very demanding and he’ll get the best out of me.”

As for the footballing style of Rayo, Aguirre believes it will suit his own way of playing and he’ll enjoy being a part of that, along with assuming whichever role the manager wants him to, keen to help the team the best way he can.

“It’s good for me and I like bringing the ball forward from the back. This is a style of play I like, rather than hoofing the ball upfield and I think I’ll adapt very well. I’ve always played as a winger, but in the Segunda B I made my debut as a full-back. It doesn’t matter to me where play, as the most important thing to me is being there in the team. Wherever the manager wants me to be, is what’s best for the team.”