Rafael Profini: "FC Kharkiv's goals were crucial for my transfer"

Argentinian newcomer to "Kharkiv" Rafael Profini - about his move to "Kharkiv", his goals, adaptation, and his favorite position on the field:

— Rafael, welcome to "Kharkiv". Share your emotions about the move and your first impressions of the team?

— Honestly, I am very happy to take my first step into Europe. The first impressions are very good. I joined a great club, everything I was told about it was confirmed, so I am satisfied.

— How did you first learn about our club's interest? Who contacted you?

— I found out about it through my agent. About a month and a half ago, he informed me about the interest from "Kharkiv". He directly contacted the club's manager, and from then on, we started discussing and organizing my transfer.

— What was the decisive factor in moving to "Kharkiv"?

— I think the club's goals were the decisive factor. It's a very good, very big club. I really liked the goals it sets for itself. And, of course, the move to Europe was also one of the key factors.

— How would you describe yourself as a defensive midfielder?

— My role is probably more versatile — I am a box-to-box central midfielder. I can play as a defensive midfielder as well as a more attacking central midfielder. In reality, I can perform both roles, so I would describe myself as a versatile central midfielder.

— What do you consider your main strengths?

— My main strengths are ball retrieval and forward play.

— Which players in your position have been role models for you?

— In Argentina, many of us look up to Leandro Paredes and Enzo Fernandes. I think they are a kind of role model for us in the center of the field.

— What do you know about Ukrainian football? Have you watched any matches or talked to someone who has played here?

— Yes, I have talked to guys who are already here. I know that football here is physical, with an emphasis on physique. We are preparing for that.

— There are already several Spanish-speaking players in the team — Arevalo, Parako, and Castillo. How much do they help you adapt?

— They help a lot. I met them here, and everything worked out very well. We get along great. They significantly facilitate adaptation because we can speak our native language and communicate with them. It really helps a lot.

— What do you enjoy most about playing on the field?

— I most enjoy making assists and getting involved in the opponent's penalty area. But it's a team effort, and that's what brings me the most satisfaction.

— What do you prefer: winning the ball and stopping the opponent's attacks or starting your team's attacks?

— As I mentioned, I am a versatile central midfielder. Although I can do both, I get more satisfaction from getting involved in the opponent's penalty area and organizing attacks.

— What personal goals do you set for your first season in Ukraine?

— There are both personal and team goals. Personally, I want to get more playing time, have regular practice. As for team goals — I think we all know what they are, and we will strive for them.

— What hidden talent do you have that few people know about?

— Probably, it's my assists. I think my passes in the final third of the field are one of my strong points. And I want to continue to improve this aspect.

— What would you choose: making an assist or scoring a goal?

— Definitely making an assist.

— How many assists do you think you will make this season?

— I don't know. It will depend on daily work. I hope there will be many.

— What would you like to say to the fans of "Kharkiv" right now?

— I want to say that we will fight for the club's goals, we will do everything to raise the club's emblem as high as possible. Let the fans not worry — we will give our all and fight for everything.