Brighton & Hove Albion defender Bernardo is relishing the chance to showcase himself in the Premier League during the upcoming 2018/19 season.
The Brazilian full-back made the switch to Albion from RB Leipzig at the start of July and insists that the worldwide focus on the division means he can’t wait for top-flight action to commence.
He said, “In Brazil everyone watches the Premier League, if it’s not the Brazilian league that people are watching then it will be the matches in England.
“Every weekend when you turn on the TV you see them being broadcast in Brazil, so I was always watching them when I was younger.
“As a player you always want to play in the best leagues and in my opinion the Premier League is the best division in the world. It’s always been a goal of mine to get here, so I’m really satisfied that I can play in it this year with Brighton.”
Bernardo also revealed that he has settled into the club well since arriving from Germany at the start of the month, and admitted that his first impressions of the city reminded him of home comforts.
“I’m really enjoying it so far – I came from a cold place in Germany and when I arrived here with the sun and the sea it felt like I was back in Brazil!
“The city has a really nice feel to it and I feel really good here.
“Everyone around the club has welcomed me really well and the facilities are amazing.”
The 2018/19 campaign will be the club’s second in the Premier League following a 15th-placed finish last term, and he outlined his aims and objectives for the new season, as well as comparing the new division to his previous one.
“Personally, I really want to develop myself this season – the Bundesliga is quite similar to the league here, but I feel as though I still want to develop my physical game as well.
“The tempo here is higher too and my position requires a lot of running so I want to work on those aspects of my game.
“The fans can expect me to give everything for the team, I hope this season goes well and I’ll do my very best to try and help us win as many matches as we can.”