Our second summer signing, Raphael Sallinger, sat down with HibsTV for his first interview with the Club!
The discussion, which covered the Austrian goalkeeper’s first impressions of Scotland and our fans’ “amazing” Sunshine On Leith rendition, was also Sallinger’s first-ever English-speaking interview.
The 6ft 5’ shot-stopper has committed to a three-year deal with the Hibees, and revealed his excitement at getting started ahead of the 2025/26 campaign following his first visit to HTC and Easter Road Stadium.
“I’m very happy," smiled Sallinger. "I think Hibs is a great club with great fans in a great city. I'm very much looking forward to being here and playing successful football.
“I think, especially for a goalkeeper, it's good when you're here at the start of the pre-season. It's a new country for me and new teammates.
“I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and I'm happy to be here.”
The 29-year-old has spent the entirety of his career up to this point in Austria and Germany, most recently starring for Austrian Bundesliga outfit, and Austrian Cup finalists, TSV Hartberg.
Sallinger arrives in Leith targeting the first-choice goalkeeping position, and is excited to perform in front of large crowds at Easter Road.
“For me it was always a target for me to play outside of Austria. Austria is a good league, but in Germany, Scotland or the UK football is different.
“To be in Scotland and to play in front of a lot of fans was always a target for me.
“I hope I can help the team a lot and I hope that we can reach our targets, and also get into a European group stage. Maybe we can even have a better season than last season."
Sallinger also touched on his awe at the Hibees’ support, before admitting his affection for one beloved Hibs anthem in particular.
“I’ve watched the last Hibs’ two games and the fans in the crowd are really impressive.
“Especially after the game against Rangers when the fans were singing Sunshine On Leith. It was pretty amazing and pretty impressive to me.
“I'm looking forward to having this feeling on the pitch.”
