He arrived just a few weeks ago but has already taken on a leading role in front of the defense in the two friendlies played in Ponte di Legno. Harry Winks begins his second Serie A stint, after his time at Sampdoria in 2022-23, with Cagliari and hopes it will be a personal relaunch after two difficult years at Leicester City. "But the moments where I learned the most in my career were the most difficult ones, where maybe I didn't play but I still grew as a player and as a person," he told the club's official channels, still speaking in English, like his compatriot Demi Akarakiri . "I'm very happy to be part of this club, which has a long history in Serie A and an excellent coach."
Winks didn't arrive in Cagliari "alone": "I disembarked at the airport with Fazzini and there were so many fans. It was wonderful to receive such a welcome in Sardinia and in the city," he recalls. "I've loved playing football since I was little, and coming to Italy is a great opportunity to grow further. I played in Serie A four years ago: I really enjoyed the culture, the lifestyle, the football, and the tactics. I hope I can improve even further ."
Winks believes he'll feel right at home with Fabio Pisacane: "He has so many great ideas, and I've already seen that he shares my vision of football," he says. "I've been fortunate enough to play with great players and be coached by excellent coaches: from Pochettino, who gave me space and trust at Tottenham, to Maresca, who gave me a footballing identity and understanding of the game. They're the ones who shaped my way of looking at football."
Born in 1996, Winks turned thirty in February, but at Cagliari he's among the oldest players in the squad. "I don't remember ever being one of the most experienced players on the team in my career. There are so many young players, and I like to make myself heard on the pitch by talking a lot. There are so many players and staff members here who can teach me a lot, but if I can help pass on my experience to the younger players, I hope I can pass it on." His goals, meanwhile, are clear: "One of the first things I'll try to learn will be the language. Then I've already realized how passionate the fans are and how much the club wants to do well. We have a genuine and loyal group; let's hope we can have a great season ."
