New signing Ivan Mesík is looking forward to getting started with the Addicks as he arrives as Nathan Jones’ first recruit of the summer transfer window.
“I feel proud, I hope my family is proud because it is a huge step for me, I feel amazing," he said.
"I have had a good welcome here, so it feels great from the start, and I can’t wait to get started.
“I would say I have been slowly building up and progressing in every country I have been in. They were all big experiences because I was very young, so I just had to get through it, I tried to learn and take every little thing from it so I could be more experienced.”
The Slovakia international arrives in SE7 with experience across Europe, having played in his homeland, as well as Denmark, Norway, Italy and the Netherlands.
“This [English] football is elite football; everybody wants to play here. There are a lot of good clubs here and a lot of good facilities and conditions. I think it is a dream for everyone to play in England, I am really glad I could come here, it is a really good move for me.”
“I think it can really help me with the national team as well," added Mesík.
"I will put in the work here and I will work consistently, I think I can get better for the future. I have a really good work ethic; I am hard-working and ambitious.
“I would say I am aggressive; I like duels, that is my main strength. But in the modern time of the footballer, I like to play on the ball, I like to dribble and play through the space when there is a gap, to play between the lines. I am a modern type of player, which is what everyone likes to see, I think the fans will love me and see all the skills I have.”
Meanwhile, the 25-year-old defender is looking forward to stepping out onto The Valley pitch and playing under Nathan Jones.
“The Valley is insane! When I came here, I could already tell it would be quite a lot bigger than I am used to and have been in before. In terms of stadium, facilities and conditions here it is quite a big step, but it is what we need as professionals in football, so I am excited. The stadium is really nice, and I can’t wait to see all the fans here.
“Everyone has been so friendly and tried to help me from the first minute and I was really glad about it, now we have to put the work in and help each other.”
“Me and the manager had a really good conversation, I was really impressed, because he knew me well. I am sure that we will talk more in the upcoming weeks about the football and expectations,’ he said.
“I can’t wait, when I heard the stories about the fans, they are amazing, fantastic, always putting a lot of energy into the team so I can’t wait to meet them here and I hope we will create atmosphere this season and, in the end, it is always about being successful together.”
Click here to secure your season ticket for the 2026/27 Sky Bet Championship campaign now.
