It may be the first time in England for Fabrizio Cavegn but Bristol Rovers’ newest forward is already feeling right at home with the Gas.
The Swiss attacker has joined Rovers from Swiss Challenge League side FC Vaduz for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year deal with the option of a further season.
In joining the Pirates, Cavegn has stepped outside his home country and native football system for the very first time, but the opportunity to test himself in the EFL and move to the home of the beautiful game was one the 22-year-old simply could not pass up.
Speaking to BRTV for the first time as a Rovers player, the new No29 opened up on why heading to The Memorial Stadium was the right move for him and what he hopes to bring to Darrell Clarke’s side…
Fabrizio, welcome to Bristol Rovers! How does it feel to be here?
“It’s a good feeling to join Bristol Rovers. I am very excited to come here and I am also very happy. I have met the people here at the Club, and they are very good people, so I am happy to be here.”
Why is coming to Bristol Rovers the right thing for you at this moment in your career?
“My goal has always been to play in England. I’ve always wanted to one day play in the Championship or even the Premier League. After a long time of wanting to achieve that, Bristol Rovers contacted me and I said to myself ‘this is the chance to go to England, to start in England, and play for a really good Club.’”
What was it about those talks with the likes of Darrell Clarke and Ricky Martin that made you feel this Club was right for you?
“The first time that Bristol Rovers contacted me, I said to both myself and my family that I really wanted to do it. The contact with the Club has been really good. I really feel like the Club wants me here and I already feel at home here.”
You’ve only been to the training ground so far. Bristol is a vibrant, fantastic city to live in. How excited are you to be moving to England, and Bristol in particular?
“Today is my first time in Bristol ever and I’ve only been to the training ground. I’m yet to go into the city and have a chance to explore, but I am happy to be here and I am looking forward to seeing the city.
“The training ground is beautiful! The pitches are perfect here, and the gym and the facilities are perfect too, and the people are great. It has everything I need and I’m very happy to be here.”
For supporters who might not know too much about you, what sort of player are you?
“I’m a striker. I’m a fast player who will shoot. I want to fight and will fight for the full 90 minutes. I want to fight for my colours and my teammates too.”
As a fan of English football, you’ll have heard about how passionate English football fans are. Bristol Rovers fans are some of the loudest and most passionate; how excited are you to meet them?
“Yes, I am very excited! I love football fans here in England and I’ve heard about the Rovers fans, and I’m excited to hear them. I will be powered by them so I am excited to get started.”
And how about the first time you get to step out at The Memorial Stadium?
“I’m very excited to play there. When Bristol Rovers contacted me for the first time, I went on Google and I looked at pictures of the training and of The Memorial Stadium. I really liked everything I saw and I thought to myself that I have to do this because this is my chance!"
You seem very driven and determined. How eager are you to make the most of this chance?
“I want to do everything I can to give to the team, to help the team, and help us get wins on the board. I’m very driven for this.”
And finally, what is your message to the Bristol Rovers fans?
“Thank you for the warm welcome. I am very happy to be here and I am ready to fight for the Gasheads!”
