An interview of Rufat Abbasov, a football player of the Azerbaijani national team playing for "Shamakhi" club, to Sport24.az
- How do you assess "Shamakhi"'s performance in the current season?
- I think the season went well for the team. But we could have done better. Because there were matches where we were close to winning. We conceded goals in the last minutes and gave away victories. If those victories had materialized, we would have been closer to the European Cup zone. Nevertheless, our team worked very hard.
- How do you motivate yourself for matches after it became clear that you will not leave the Premier League?
- We still have a chance to move up 1-2 places. It's worth being motivated for that. Tough matches await us. Our next game is against "Sabah", who have already secured the championship. Then we will face "Neftchi", "Turan Tovuz" and "Gabala". We will do our best to earn points or point in all these games.
- There are rumors that you will leave the club at the end of the season. Have you been offered a new contract?
- Yes. They offered a new contract.
- What is your decision?
- My wish is to play abroad, to live the life of a legionnaire. I hope that I will play abroad.
- Head coach Aykhan Abbasov will also leave the club...
- Yes. He has done a lot for this team. Aykhan muallim's efforts are undeniable. When I was in the reserve team, it was Aykhan muallim who brought me to the team. We have a lot to learn from him, I developed a lot with him.
- Can Aykhan Abbasov's absence affect "Shamakhi"?
- Yes. I think it will affect. But nevertheless, I am sure that "Shamakhi" will stay in the Premier League every year.