The Eagle’s Moroccan delight: Chadi Riad

Crystal Palace recently confirmed the signing of centre-back Chadi Riad. The 20-year-old signed a five-year contract and joins Palace from Real Betis, with whom he made 30 appearances in 2023/24 after joining from Barcelona.

Riad has received two caps for Morocco, most recently featuring in a goalless draw against Mauritania in March. He made the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad.

He is Palace’s first signing of the summer window, which officially opened today, and Oliver Glasner’s first as head coach. We caught up with Riad to chat about his move to the English Premier League.

How does it feel to be at Crystal Palace?

I was really interested in coming here because of the history that the club has, because of the league in which the club plays. I learnt a lot this year about how the club plays its football, and I think it perfectly complements the way I play my football. And for the fans too, and above everything else, the interest that the club has shown in me since the beginning. I feel at home and that is why I am here.

You are a Premier League footballer, how good does that sound?

I’d simply say that since I was a child I had already dreamt of playing in the Premier League, as you can see it is the best league in the world, with players of an excellent level and so I am very eager to come and play in this league.

You worked under a former Premier League winner in Manuel Pellegrini. Has he spoken to you about the Premier League?

No, honestly regarding the Premier league, I haven’t spoken to the coach about it. But it is true that he has shown me 100% support for the new adventure that I was going to take. But I have spoken to Pablo Fornals, who played in the Premier League with Marc Roca, and they told me it was very good. That I was going to enjoy it like a child.

How would you describe yourself as a footballer?

I describe myself as a calm but strong footballer. An aggressive footballer who knows how to think, who does not get carried away by the tension of the moment, intelligent, and I think I can fit in perfectly into Crystal Palace.

Are there any players you looked up to as a youngster?

It’s true that I have never seen Maldini play live, but I did admire him a lot, Varane too. These are the players that caught my eye.

Are there any Premier League forwards that you are excited to come up against?

In a league like the Premier League, all the forwards are top, they are at a high level. But they are players like Haaland for example. Forwards for big teams. I am excited to come up against players like these.

Excited to be part of the young contingent at Crystal Palace?

The truth is that Crystal has had high level players who are very young, and I have come here to follow the same trajectory. To grow as they have grown.

Have you spoken to your new manager Oliver Glasner?

Yes. Before coming here, I spoke to the coach, and he has given me a lot of confidence. He gave me a lot of tranquility and confidence to come here. And we talked about the game plans, and as I have said before, it suits me perfectly.

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