Charlton Athletic has completed the signing of Slovakian international defender Ivan Mesik, the club announced on charltonafc. com.
The 25-year-old center-back becomes manager Nathan Jones' first addition of the summer transfer window.
Mesik arrives at The Valley with extensive European experience, having played in Slovakia, Denmark, Norway, Italy, and the Netherlands.
He expressed pride in joining the Addicks.
"I feel proud, I hope my family is proud because it is a huge step for me, I feel amazing," Mesik said.
The defender described his career progression across various leagues.
"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."
Mesik on English Football and Ambitions
Mesik highlighted the elite nature of English football. "This 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."
He believes the move will benefit his national team prospects. "I think it can really help me with the national team as well."
The Slovakian emphasized his work ethic and ambition.
"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."
Describing his playing style, Mesik said: "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."
Mesik was impressed by The Valley stadium. "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."
He praised the welcoming atmosphere at the club.
"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."
Mesik also had positive early discussions with manager Nathan Jones.
"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."
The defender concluded by expressing eagerness to play for the supporters.
"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."
