Interview with former Neftchi goalkeeper Ivan Brkic for Teleqraf.
How are things going for you at Motor? Have you achieved your goals as a footballer?
I am very happy at Motor. The Polish Ekstraklasa is of a good level. Of course, I have personal goals, but I live each day as it comes! Here, both in football and in my personal life with my family, I am spending my time well.
After leaving Neftchi, do you still keep in touch with your former teammates?
I’m in contact with Eddy Israfilov almost every day. Both our families have good relations. He is a lifelong friend. I also still talk to players Emin Mahmudov, Rahman Hajiyev, and Rza Jafarov. Additionally, I keep in touch with doctors Shaig Zohrabli and Rasim Gadmaliyev, translator Vugar Aliyev, and team manager Gadir Hasanov. I love these people very much and will never forget them. Whenever we talk and catch up, recalling moments from the past always makes me happy.
Do you miss Azerbaijan, and have you received any new offers from there?
I really enjoyed my time there. I love and respect Azerbaijan. Recently, I haven’t talked to anyone. But if an offer comes and it is satisfactory, I would gladly discuss it. I have had wonderful experience and only positive memories there.
Renat Dadashov, a member of the Azerbaijan national team, has transferred to Motor. Did you know him before?
We met once in Baku when I was playing for Neftchi. He is a friend of Eddy’s. So, I already had quite a bit of information about him.
Did Dadashov ask you anything before his transfer?
Through Eddy, I passed on some information he needed.
Have you watched Neftchi’s games from last season?
I have watched quite a few games. It’s clear that this is not the real Neftchi and better results are expected from the club. There have been many changes in recent years. Every change requires some time. The club needs stability, and changing the head coach and players so frequently is not right. I believe everything will improve.
You played under Samir Abasov’s management at Neftchi. How would you characterize him as a coach?
I have a positive opinion of Abasov. I think he should not have been removed as head coach at that time. We were in second place and I think the situation could have improved because there wouldn’t have been serious changes. But fate had it that he is back with Neftchi now.
Abasov is now forming a new squad at Neftchi. Do you think this team can compete for the championship next season?
It’s hard to give a definite answer. I need to watch Neftchi’s games for that. But I hope they succeed. I send them my best wishes.
Have any players asked you for information about Neftchi or the Azerbaijani championship?
Several players have asked me about it. As I said, I had a great time in Azerbaijan and I have only positive opinions about the country.
Do you talk with Dadashov about Azerbaijan, and are you considering coming there together?
Yes, we talk, and sometimes I do miss it a bit. Who knows, maybe we will play in Azerbaijan again (laughs).
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