The 34-year-old right-back signed as a free agent after leaving Real Madrid in June and is now preparing for a new chapter with the Madrid-based club. Carvajal will not feature in Getafe’s Conference League opener against Universitatea Craiova because he was not registered for the competition.
“We have welcomed him with open arms. Getafe is a family, he has arrived with great enthusiasm, and his humility and simplicity have surprised us. He is going to contribute a great deal. He is a great professional,” Bordalás said.
Carvajal said remaining in Spain and continuing his career close to home were important factors in choosing Getafe. He also acknowledged that injuries had restricted his opportunities in recent seasons.
“It is a very good opportunity to stay here in LaLiga, to stay at home. A team like Getafe appealed to me quite a lot because, in recent seasons, because of injuries and other things, I have not had the continuity I would have liked,” he said.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I love competing and that football is my passion. It was a joy for me and my family at home. From the first moment, we started moving forward with the aim of coming here.”
Carvajal’s arrival gives Bordalás an experienced option after a career that included six Champions League titles with Real Madrid and 51 appearances for Spain. He has also played for Bayer Leverkusen, but his immediate priority will be to regain match fitness after being without a club since the end of last season.
Getafe head to Craiova hoping to start their European campaign with a win, despite Carvajal being unavailable for the fixture. Bordalás said the team understood the challenge awaiting them and wanted to make a strong start.
“It is very exciting to play this first match. We are aware of the difficulties; there will be a good atmosphere and it will not be easy. We want to put in a great performance,” he said.
“It is a different competition, and we are keen to play well and get our first victory.”
The coach’s comments came after Getafe’s defeat at Barcelona, with Bordalás keen for his players to respond in Europe. Carvajal, meanwhile, is expected to work towards making his debut in domestic competition once he is ready to play.