Pezzella bids farewell to River, unveiled by Peñarol at 35

Before answering the first question, Germán Pezzella asked to say something. He didn't want to talk about Peñarol just yet, he wanted to talk about River Plate first. That gesture, more than any welcome speech, summed up what his presentation on Thursday turned out to be.

The Argentine defender, 35, became a free agent after his contract with River Plate expired and signed with the Uruguayan club to begin a new chapter in his career. But before discussing the "adventure" starting in Montevideo, he felt he had unfinished business with the River fans.

I want to use this moment to say goodbye publicly to River, which I wasn't able to do at the time. It's the most important club of my life for everything I went through there, so I want to thank the fans publicly because I feel a lot of love from them.Germán Pezzella

It's not just a polite line. Pezzella came up through Estudiantes before heading to European soccer, where he played for Real Betis and Fiorentina and also had a spell at Roma, before returning to South America to sign with River. There he logged meaningful minutes, but above all he built a bond with the fans that, as he admitted himself, he never got to close out the way he would have liked when he departed.

A new challenge in Uruguay

With that farewell out of the way, the defender shifted gears and pulled on the Peñarol jersey to talk about the present. The excitement over this new chapter became the focus for the rest of the press conference.

Here we are to begin this adventure, very excited, happy and eager to get started.Germán Pezzella

Pezzella arrives at Peñarol with plenty of experience in Europe and the seasoning of having served as captain at several of the clubs he played for. His arrival at the black and gold club represents a significant boost for the defense, at a time when the Uruguayan side is looking to strengthen its roster ahead of upcoming commitments.

Thursday's press conference ultimately served to close one chapter and open another. Pezzella made clear that his affection for River remains intact, but also that his focus is now firmly on Peñarol. The challenge now is turning that excitement into results on the field.