Rick van Drongelen opened up in his first interview as a Panathinaikos player, discussing the new chapter in his career and the ambitious goals that come with his time at the “clover.”

The Dutch center back made no secret of his excitement about joining a club with a rich history and strong momentum, while he particularly emphasized the welcome he expects from the fans and the unique atmosphere created by the team’s supporters.

At the same time, he mentioned his discussions with the coach and the Panathinaikos staff, emphasizing that the club’s plan and ambitions convinced him to take the next step.

Here’s what he said in detail:

“I’m very happy to be here. I’m very happy and can’t wait to see the city and get started at Panathinaikos. It’s a world-renowned club in Europe and in the Netherlands. When a club like this reaches out to you, you pay attention. I had a very good feeling about this, and I’m coming here with a lot of enthusiasm. I spoke with Stefanos Kotsolis.

He’s a really nice and friendly guy. He played a key role in the negotiations. We talked at length, and I’m happy that I was finally able to come. I’m coming from a place where I felt at home. It wasn’t an easy decision, but in the end, I’m joining an amazing club. Last year, I faced Panathinaikos while playing for Samsunspor. That was my first experience, and then, of course, there was the game in Samsun. Both were high-level matches. I couldn’t have imagined that a year later I’d be here.

I had a conversation with the coach via FaceTime. He knows a very good friend and teammate of mine from Samsunspor—a Danish player—and he told me a lot about the coach. I’m happy to be working under the coach’s guidance. I watched Panathinaikos’ game against Ajax. At Samsunspor, I had a teammate who had worked with Nistrup in Copenhagen. I like the way he works.

When you’re on a good team, you try to get better every day. I started training in early July. I also worked out during the offseason. I feel good and can’t wait to get started with the team. I need to get to know everyone and build chemistry. Before coming here, I watched a lot of videos showing the atmosphere, of course. I’ve read a lot about Gate 13. It’s a special group of Panathinaikos fans.

During our match against them, I had the chance to experience the atmosphere firsthand. People will want to come to the stadium because of our games and our performances. We’ll do everything we can to fill the stadium. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans. It’s special for me to play alongside De Vrij. I’ve had several conversations with him, and I told him it’s going to be something special. He’s well-known in the Netherlands and across Europe.

He has experience at the highest level. He doesn’t like it, though, when I talk too much about him, because he’s very modest. It might be easier for me, since I’ll have a Dutchman by my side. It’s not essential, but it’s something special. I’m a left-footed defender. I like to defend. I like to protect the goal. I try to lead the team.

I’m part of the team, too, and I try to help my teammates. I’d say I’m a humble defender. I want to adapt to the team as quickly as possible. The season starts this week.

It’s important for Panathinaikos to qualify for Europe and win the league title. We need to develop our style of play; quite a few new players have joined the team. Panathinaikos is fighting for titles. I’ll do my best to help the club succeed, because success means trophies.”

*photo source: pao.gr