New Swansea City signing Mark Birighitti vows to take his opportunity "with both hands"
18th July
Mark Birighitti has vowed to take his opportunity "with both hands" after sealing his dream move to the Premier League with Swansea City.
The Australia international, who was a free agent following his departure from Newcastle Jets, penned a two-year contract at the Liberty after completing his move this afternoon.
Birighitti further strengthens Francesco Guidolin's options in the goalkeeping position, with Lukasz Fabianski, Kristoffer Nordfeldt and Gerhard Tremmel also vying for the No. 1 role.
But the 25-year-old, named in the team of the season in Australia's top flight last term, is eager to take his big opportunity.
"I'm very happy with the move," said Birighitti. "A lot of hard work has gone into it, and I'm very grateful and humbled by the opportunity to represent such a prestigious and fantastic club.
"I'm really looking forward to it. "As a young footballer growing up you dream of playing in big leagues around the world such as the Premier League, which is the best in the world.
"Growing up, I watched a lot of English football and it was something I wanted to achieve in my career.
"Hopefully I can repay the club for the faith they have shown in me.
"Before coming here I knew there would be strong competition at the club. Kristoffer is a very good goalkeeper and Gerhard is too.
"Watching the Euros back home in Australia, I saw Lukasz have a fantastic tournament. He was probably one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament.
"But my plan is to take each training session as they come and try to be better than them. I have to make sure when the opportunity comes that I take the opportunity with both hands and don't look back."
There will be a familiar face waiting to welcome Birighitti onto the training pitch in Fairwood.
Having spent six months on loan with Italian side Varese, Birighitti got the opportunity to work under current Swans coach Gabriele Ambrosetti.
"I worked with Gabriele in Italy at Varese, where he was the club's sporting director," explained Birighitti.
"He's a fantastic person and I'm looking forward to working closely with him again."
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