De Luca: “Joining Samp is a birthday present for me”

Manuel De Luca has spoken of his delight at being handed the “huge opportunity” and “honour” of playing for Sampdoria.

The club snapped up one of the most promising strikers in Italy after he was released from ChievoVerona.

“It’s been a difficult few months because no one expects a big club like Chievo to go bankrupt,” the 23-year-old began. “However, it’s given me this huge opportunity to join Samp and it’s one I want to grab with both hands.

“It’s Sampdoria’s birthday today but Sampdoria have given me a present! It’s an honour to be here.”