Djoum: it's time to fight for trophies

Arnaud Djoum signed a contract with Lech on Saturday. In the interview the new player talks about the beginnings of his career, the time spent in Holland and Turkey, and moving to Poznan.

You are 26 years old and already an experienced footballer, having played in the Dutch league. How did the beginnings of your career look like?

I began playing for fun. We would go out with friends to play in the backyard or to the nearest pitch because football was our passion. I come from Brussels and when I was 7 years old I started training in the local club called Scup Jette. After two years I moved to FC Brussels and that's where I stayed for the next 8 years. When I was 17 I took part in a couple on matches in the first team and I transferred to the biggest Belgian club Anderlecht. For the following two years I was a part of the reserve team

...and that's when the offer from Holland came.

I received an offer from Roda Kerkrade. I was young and eager to play and become more experienced. The Dutch club wanted me to join the first team that competes in the Eredivisie. I felt wanted in Roda and that is important to me. I treated the transfer as a challenge as the team was made up of a few very experienced players. I accepted the offer and I spent there the following 5,5 years. I have a lot of great memories connected with Kerkrade.

Next you decided to change the club and move to Turkey. Why did you decide to leave Holland?

For a long time Roda has been facing financial problems and the atmosphere wasn't too good. I've been a part of the club for some time and I felt like me and my family needed a change. However, at first I rejected the offer from Turkey. Akhisar is far away from home and there was no one there that I knew. One day I received a call from coach Mustafa Akcay and he invited me to fly over and see the club. Playing in the Super Lig seemed like a nice challenge. Most of all, I wanted to represent a club that was eager to have me as a part of their squad.

You signed a 2,5 yearlong contract with Akhisar Belediyesporem, and yet you have spent there only half of the season.

The first months were great and I recall them with pleasure. However, towards the end of my stay in Turkey I wasnt sure that I would get minutes from the new coach, Roberto Carlos. We have talked about my situation and the coach did not hide the fact that new foreign players would join the squad. In Turkey it's only allowed to hire 8 foreigners and only 5 of them can be a part of the starting lineup. I wanted to be sure I would get playing time and moreover I knew about Lech's interest in me. I knew that Lech was one of the best clubs in Poland and that each season they aspire for trophies. The coach did not want to make any complications with my contract and in the end both sides were happy.

In Lech you are supposed to strengthen the rivalry on the position of the defensive midfielder. What is your preferable role on the pitch the so called "six" or "eight"?

Definitely I prefer being the "six". Of course, I can play higher up the pitch and be a more offensive player. I am a strong, hard-working footballer that can put up a fight. I have no problems using strength and in addition, I can't complain about my technical skills (laughs). There is no point in talking about how I play, it's better that I show it on the pitch. I don't really like talking about myself.

Lech is a club that always plays under pressure. Are you aware that you will have to fight for trophies every season?

I am glad about that fact. I joined a club that is aspiring for the championship, cups, and trophies. I felt like it was time that I joined a club with such aims a club focused on winning every single match, no matter what the stakes are. That move will help me grow as a footballer.

Do you know anything about the Lech fans?

They are among the best in Poland, aren't they? I've seen in Internet what they are capable of. Their support also puts pressure on the team, but it can have a really positive influence on the players, no matter if they are losing or winning. Every team needs the "twelfth player". I got used to the pressure back in Turkey where the fans can be real fanatics. I know I can handle it after the time I spent playing in Super Lig.

Are you moving to Poznan alone, or with your family?

Every time we move to a new place, we do it together. My wife and my son lived with me in Turkey, although the boy is just 6 months old. Now they will also join me in Poznan. Poland is much closer to Belgium than Turkey, so it will be easier for us to contact our families and we will see each other more often. At first I will come to Poznan alone, but when I find the right place, my wife and my son will move as well.