«I am thrilled»
Chuba Akpom spoke to Novasports TV ahead of the upcoming encounter against Asteras Tripolis in Toumba Stadium, on opening day of the Super League Souroti. Here is what the English striker said.
On how he feels in his first days at PAOK:
«I am thrilled. I am ready for new challenges. I am familiar with the spirit in the club. It’s an excellent period for the team and I want to contribute as well».
Whether it was easy choosing PAOK:
«In football, it’s never easy to make decisions. I examined all offers I had and PAOK won me over with their project and their fans. I spoke to players who know the club. PAOK and I share the same ambition».
On what has impressed him more than anything so far:
«We have a very strong team. We all want to qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stage. In my two first games, I was impressed by the fans’ passion. To them, PAOK is something more than football. That provides us players with a great motive».
On Benfica:
«Benfica are a quality side, always featuring in the UEFA Champions League. But the first leg proved we can eliminate them. We already achieved that against Basel and Spartak Moscow. We are thirsty for success, we want to make history».
On his dreams and aspirations:
«I want to become a part of the club’s history. We want to win the league and the Greek Cup and impress in Europe. I dream of contributing to all that through my hard work, help as much as I can, score as many goals as I can».
On whether he has already decided to whom he will dedicate his first goal:
«I thank the fans for their wishes and support. My job is to score. I don’t know to whom I will dedicate the goal. I am a religious man, as most of my team-mates are. I usually dedicate my goals to God».
On the encounter against Asteras Tripolis:
«Our coach is a meticulous person who takes care of every single detail. He is doing an excellent job. I hope I will get out on the pitch and give it 100% to the team. Even if I don’t play, we have excellent players who can do the job right. I expect Asteras to be strong. It’s the start of the season and no team has something to lose. I hope that we will make it, with the help of our fans».
On whether he has bonded with someone from the team:
«I really admire Léo Matos for everything he is doing on the pitch. He is a classic Brazilian full-back. Off the pitch, all my team-mates are excellent guys. The mood within the team is great and everyone has given me the best welcome. Everyone inside and around the team is very helpful. Hopefully I will learn Greek. So far I can only master a few words».
His message to the fans:
«I want to thank the fans for all the messages I have received and I will do everything in my power to repay that love».
