In his first interview as an Addick, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi detailed his desire to entertain the Valley faithful this season.
The Addicks fought off widespread EFL interest to secure the signature of the highly-rated 19-year-old, who joins on a season-long loan deal from Crystal Palace to become the seventh signing of the Ben Garner era.
The forward finished as the Premier League 2's joint-top scorer last term with 18 goals in just 25 games and registered six assists. Rak-Sakyi and has two Premier League appearances to his name having made his top-flight debut in the opening game of the 2021/22 season against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge before earning his first Premier League start against Manchester United in May.
Watch CharltonTV's sit-down interview with Rak-Sakyi above, or read on for the full transcript…
Jes, welcome to The Valley. How does it feel to be a Charlton player?
"It feels really good. I've been waiting a long time for this. I'm just thankful to god and thankful to everyone for making it happen. I'm excited to get started."
You're a young player. A lot of people were excited when the rumours have been mentioned about you potentially coming to the club. What can fans expect to see from you? What are your strengths as a player?
"I like to say I'm really direct, I like to take players on, create chances, score goals and get assists. I like to entertain the fans and I enjoy being on the pitch."
There's a few lads that I understand you know already here - that must make it a little bit easier. Who do you know?
"I know Aaron Henry, Ryan Inniss, Tyreece Campbell and Miles Leaburn. It's good to have them showing me round."
You had your first training session this morning. How was it getting to know the lads? It's obviously been a hot one here in south London today. Have you settled in well on your first day? Did you find it a good session?
"The lads have all been really welcoming, showing me round and helping me out in training. It's really good. I'm really happy to be here."
You have obviously spoken to the Manager. What did he speak to you about? What does he expect from you this season?
"He expects me to work hard for the team but at the same time he can help me express myself. He's been telling me that I'm a good player so I should just do what I do normally and everything will be fine."
Importantly, what do you hope to get from this season? Obviously you're a young player and you've had a few first-team experiences at Crystal Palace, but you must just be wanting to knuckle down and get as many first-team senior appearances under your belt this season?
"I'm just trying to improve every time and get as many games as I can. I want to get goals, assists and just help the team as much as I can."
You've had a look round The Valley today. You said you've been here before when you were very young. You must be looking forward to seeing this place full of fans and showing them what you can do?
"I'm looking forward to it. I've been here once and I've heard a lot of good things about it so I just can't wait to get started."
Of course, Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday is coming up, hot on the heels of you signing today [Thursday]. I'm assuming you're fit and ready to go if you're called upon?
"I'm fit. I've been working hard, I've had a good pre-season and I'm ready to go when needed."
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