Here is a detailed account of everything he said
Joel Asoro is our team’s newest signing and is introducing himself to Apollon fans. The Swedish forward talks about his decision to continue his career in Cyprus, and shares his first impressions of the team, the coach, his new teammates, and the training facility.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Joel, what were your first thoughts when the prospect of your transfer to Apollon came up? I felt really good. I know some players who have played in Cyprus, and in fact, some of them have even played for Apollon. For me, it’s a new and wonderful experience, a fresh adventure, and a chance to get to know Cypriot soccer. So far, everything has been great.
Who do you know, and have you talked to them about your new move to Apollon? I know Charlie Bensop and Felix Va, who both played for Apollon, and we were teammates at the same club in the past. I haven’t had a chance to talk to them about their experience yet, because it was a very busy day and I had to take care of quite a few things related to the transfer. So far, I’ve mainly spoken with the sporting director, and I’ve heard that Cyprus is a very beautiful country. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot more soon.
How did your transfer to Apollon come about? Tell us a little about the story behind the deal. A very good friend of mine played a key role—someone who’s looked out for me since I was younger. He had the connections and was the one who introduced me to the opportunity at Apollon. He told me it was a great place to play, and when we talked, he revealed that Apollon had been interested in me for quite some time. When you know that a club has wanted you for such a long time, I think it’s worth taking seriously. It means they believe in you and want to help you succeed, while also wanting to make the team stronger. We talked at length; he presented my situation to the people at Apollon, and then the club presented its plan to me. I looked it over, found it very interesting, and from that point on, I waited for everything to be finalized. Over the past few weeks, I was essentially waiting for the moment when everything would be ready. When I got the “yes,” I knew the transfer would go through.
What convinced you that Apollon was the right next step in your career? I believe it’s a very good move for me. From the very beginning, I felt there was a family atmosphere within the team. I spoke with the coach, met some of the team staff, and realized there’s a great mix of players.
I also learned that Apollon has managed to climb from sixth or seventh place to third in the standings over the past few months, having had a very strong run in last year’s league. I was told that one of the most important aspects of this team is its unity and the fact that everyone works together. That’s exactly what I was looking for. I want to contribute my own skills to what’s already there, and I believe this can be a very positive step for both Apollon and me.
How important was the fact that Apollon has high aspirations and goals in your decision? It was very important. When you see a club that wants to take the next step, you want to be part of that effort. Of course, we all want to compete at the top and win. We want to achieve great things with the club. So for me, it wasn’t a difficult decision.
What do you know about the coach’s philosophy, and what did you discuss during your talks? I’ve seen that he likes attacking soccer, and I really like his philosophy on how the team operates. He wants the players to support and push each other every day, even off the field. I believe you need that kind of environment to keep improving as a soccer player. It’s not just what happens on the field, but also what happens off the field—the family-like atmosphere and the relationships between people. He’s Argentine; he loves soccer, so it’s no surprise that he has such a deep understanding of the game. He told me that he believes I can become an important player for the next step in my career and that he thinks our collaboration can help me achieve my goals. We’ll take it step by step and see how things unfold.
How would you describe yourself as a soccer player to Apollon fans? I’m a fast player with good technique and the ability to create scoring opportunities. I like to play directly, get into the box, and score. I’d say I’m a combination of a winger and a forward who can move more centrally. I can play as a winger, but I can also play up front. We’ll see what I can bring to the team, and I hope to pleasantly surprise them.
You’ve played in different countries and leagues. What are your expectations for your time in Cypriot soccer? I expect it to be a wonderful but also difficult challenge. There are many good teams, and I already know that the level of play is competitive. I’ve played against APOEL in the past, so I have an idea of what teams here are capable of. I hope I can contribute and help the team achieve its goals. I’m ready for the challenge.
You’ve already had your first few training sessions with the team. How is your physical condition, and how much time do you need to be fully ready? I had my first training session a few days ago, and everything went very well. I’m in game shape, so I don’t think it will take me very long to reach the desired level. The main difference I’ll have to get used to is the heat and the different weather conditions. I need to be smart and careful about that, but physically I feel good. I believe that once I adjust to the weather, everything will be fine.
What are your first impressions of the team? Everyone is really nice and friendly. The first practice was at a very high level, and it was great to meet everyone. I think it’s going to be a wonderful experience. There really is a family atmosphere on the team, and I really like that. I’m looking forward to contributing to my new teammates and working together as a team. The locker rooms are great, as are the facilities. They have everything a soccer player needs, even for rehabilitation, so the conditions are excellent.
Why did you choose the number 29? I chose 29 because it was the first professional number I had in my career, when I was playing for Sunderland and made my Premier League debut. So it has special meaning for me.
What would you like to say to the Apollon fans? It’s going to be a great season; we want to enjoy it, achieve a lot, and fight for the club. Apollon must always come first. That’s our main goal. We want to fight together and achieve great things.
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