Idman.biz
"I have long since completed the adaptation period."
This was stated by Jalal Huseynov, a member of the Azerbaijan national team playing for the Bulgarian club "Arda", in an interview with report.az.
The football player shared his thoughts about his career and future plans, as well as his reaction to the goals he scored in the last match against "Botev" (2:1).
We present that interview.
- As a defender, what feelings did it create in you to score a double in an official game for the first time in your career?
- We knew it would be a difficult game. We wanted to end the unsuccessful series. Our points were close to our opponent, they were trying to overtake us. We had to win to keep our play-off chances. It was a very dramatic game. We scored, they equalized, and in the end, we went ahead again... My double was more meaningful because it was combined with a victory. I am sure it was one of the most memorable matches of my career. It was a great feeling. I should also emphasize that I have been playing as a midfielder for the last 7-8 games. When you play in this position, you are closer to scoring.
- Can you comment on the goals you scored in the match against "Botev"?
- The first goal was scored from a normal game episode. I even started that attack. Although I brought my teammate one-on-one with the goalkeeper, there was no goal. Later, I completed the situation with a goal myself. I scored the second goal thanks to a good pass after a standard situation.
- You were also selected as the best football player of the game. Does this mean that the adaptation period in Bulgaria is completely over?
- I have long since completed the adaptation period. I have had very good games before, but I was not selected as the player of the match at that time. I can already say that I have fully adapted here.
- To what extent has the Bulgarian championship affected your development as a football player?
- It has had a very positive effect. Playing abroad is great. Although there are difficulties, these factors develop a person both as a person and as a football player. I feel that I have made a lot of progress here.
- What are your thoughts on the level of the championship?
- The level is not bad. It is close to the Azerbaijani championship, but in some respects, it can be considered superior. Both championships have their own advantages. Overall, it is a good tournament.
- "Arda" is currently in 7th place. How do you assess the team's chances of qualifying for European Cups at the end of the season?
- Although our chances are a bit slim, it's not over yet. We have two games left, we have to win both of them. If the opponent in fifth place loses points, the situation will be clear in the last round. Even if we can't go to European Cups, we want to finish the championship with victories and good results.
- How much can your successful performance in Bulgaria affect your place in the main squad of the Azerbaijan national team in the upcoming official games?
- This is the head coach's decision. What is required of me is to always be in the best shape and keep myself ready for the national team. Whatever decision is made, I prepare myself one hundred percent. I hope that the next gathering will be successful.
- You have had a number of successful games in Bulgaria. After such matches, do you feel interest in yourself from larger European clubs?
- Of course, there is interest. My contract expires this summer and I will get a free agent status. There is both interest and concrete offers from other European countries. I am not in a hurry to make a decision, we will try to choose the best for my career.
- Do you intend to leave the club at the end of the season?
- I have received a new contract offer from my current club, but no agreement has been reached yet. I personally want to leave. I think my work here is over and I am ready to play in stronger leagues. I intend to go to a country where I can continue my development.
- Are there any offers from Azerbaijani clubs? In general, if you receive a good offer from Azerbaijan, would you like to continue your career here, or would you prefer to live as a legionnaire?
- There have been those interested from Azerbaijani clubs. But I have strictly informed my manager that I do not want to return to Azerbaijan at the moment. I intend to continue my career in Europe as a legionnaire. Therefore, even if an offer comes from Azerbaijan, I will not consider it. Most likely, I will live as a legionnaire again.
