By SABC Sport
11th July 2023
On his inaugural day as a Green-White after leaving Liverpool, Naby Keita, the latest signing for SV Werder Bremen, arrived at the Wohninvest Weserstaadion wearing a wide grin.
Amidst performance tests and a club photoshoot for autograph cards, the 28-year-old took the opportunity to acquaint himself with his new teammates.
"I'm delighted to be here, and the lads were equally pleased to see me," he exclaimed to media. Keita is set to participate in his first team training session on Wednesday, asserting, "I'm prepared to give my all for the team in the Bundesliga."
In June, Keita represented Guinea in international duty, successfully securing qualification for the upcoming AFCON despite two defeats. He led the team in a 2-1 loss against Egypt and played the majority of the 4-1 friendly defeat against Brazil. "Although we lost both games, we displayed two commendable performances," Keita stated. Following his international commitments, he enjoyed a well-deserved holiday with his family in Africa. "I felt strong in both matches and am now ready to join my new team," he added.
Keita affectionately refers to his new teammates as his "new family" and eagerly anticipates achieving triumph together. "The team always takes precedence for me," insisted Keita, who made the move from Liverpool FC to SVW. "They can assist me in reclaiming my top form."
Despite clinching the Champions League title during his time at Liverpool, injuries hindered Keita from fully meeting his personal expectations.
Presently, Keita is familiarizing himself with his new surroundings. While he temporarily resides in a hotel, he aspires to secure a new home following the training camp. Additionally, Keita will reunite with Oliver Burke and Anthony Jung, former RB Leipzig teammates with whom he shared the pitch.
Nevertheless, Keita remains resolute in focusing on the future. "My injuries belong in the past, and I am wholeheartedly concentrated on my new team and not dwelling on what transpired previously," he conveyed. "I am prepared for a fresh challenge and firmly believe that we possess the necessary ingredients to achieve success this season."