Jean-Philippe Crasso is the new striker of Red Star

Our sports director Mitar Mrkela first addressed the attendees and introduced us to the qualities of the new centre-forward.

- It is my pleasure to present a new reinforcement in the current transfer window - Jean-Philippe Crassot. We were looking for a striker, and in front of us is a player who was in Saint-Etienne, where he carried the epithet of the best scorer, and scored 17 goals with 12 assists as captain. He also plays for the Ivory Coast national team. We noticed Kraso at the beginning of last season, we watched him and we think that he has great quality that he will improve with us. We also believe that he will improve the game of Crvena Zvezda. I wish him to realize all his dreams and to be as efficient as last year, and that we all look forward to new successes of our club - said Mrkela.

It will be hot these days at the Maracana, given that Zvezda is close to new reinforcements.

- We are looking for another striker and goalkeeper, and there will be a promotion in the coming days. As for the younger players, they all travel to Zlatibor, the new coach wants to get to know them, to see what kind of quality they have and who could fit into the philosophy. After Zlatibor, we will see who will go on loan.

Kraso talked about coming to Zvezda with a smile on his face.

- I only arrived in Belgrade last night, so I'm still under the impression and I didn't get to go around the city. I'm very happy to be here, I can't wait to start training and do what I know, which is to play football. I know about Zvezda, I've heard it before, I'm aware of the size of the club, as well as the fans, who are fantastic. I can't wait to play in front of them. Apart from the great fans, the fact that I have the opportunity to become a champion with Zvezda decided that I should come, that is extremely important to me, I like to win. Of course, the size of the club is also a factor, and I also spoke with Marko Marino a lot, which also had an impact.

For Kraso, Zvezda is a motive, not a pressure.

- There is no pressure, I played big games in France, I also attacked PSG. So, this is more of a motive, not pressure to show my best in the Champions League and play for Zvezda. As far as the number is concerned, 17 and 7 are intertwined both in my career and in my life. I wore 17 in St. Etienne, so that's why I chose that number in Zvezda.

Crasso showed himself in France as someone who is very skilful with the ball at his feet.

- Polyvalence suits me, I like to have the ball at my feet and avoid passivity in the game - said Kraso precisely.

Jean-Philippe Crasso was born on July 17, 1997 in Stuttgart, but spent his junior training in Lorient, France. After drawing attention to himself with goals in the lower leagues of France, Saint Etienne brought him into their ranks where he experienced a complete football renaissance. In the meantime, he made his debut for the Ivory Coast national team, of which he is now an irreplaceable member. He finished the season behind us as the third scorer in the French League 2, and the performance is even more impressive when you add the fact that he scored 17 goals and 12 assists in 35 matches.