„I have decided by my own conscience“

Vlado, the news regarding your transfer to Qatar shocked Slovakia yesterday.

Yes, it’s true, yesterday I signed a long-term contract with the Lekhwiya Sports Club, which is currently on the first place in the Qatar Stars League.

It appears to have been cooked up very quickly, was it really that way, or you had known about the offer for a longer time?

To tell the truth, I didn’t expect that it would gain such a momentum myself. It took some days, I didn’t really want to talk about it, as I first wanted to check it all by myself, meet the people and make the decision myself with my family support, without any other influence. I knew it would evoke people response, so decision making based on my own, clear conscience was very important for me and my family.

Many people ask: Why Qatar? Aren’t you afraid of the jealous people in Slovakia that usually speak up when similar decisions are made?

I was expecting that people will react this way and I’m not surprised, on the contrary, I am prepared for something like that. They say that one goes to these countries at the end of career, but there is no definition stating that one may not go there also earlier. There are many famous footballers in Qatar, our team is coached by a highly respected Belgian, Eric Gerets, I even know some of the players in person, and they have recommended the transfer to me. It was also recommended to me by my agent, Mino Raiola, who manages players such as Ibrahimovic or Balotelli, and I fully trust him at such decision making. I expect another football adventure and I believe, that I will not only feel good there, but also I will grow in terms of football. I try to set the jealous people aside, on the contrary I respect other people´s opinions,  and wish them all the best in their lives.

And what about Olympiacos? How did you break up?

I felt great in Greece. I am very grateful to the club for the chance I was given, as I was playing the Champions League with the best Greek club and I met lots of good people there. Unfortunately, at the end, I didn’t feel the required trust between the coach and myself. In the crucial moments, we didn´t reach consensus and that’s why I knew that it wouldn’t work and I would have to leave. We reached a mutual agreement that they wouldn’t cause me any trouble in case of a potential transfer. Of course, I took my leave having good relations and we all have stayed great friends. I wish they would proceed in the Champions League through United, and win another title!!!

You won great favour with the fans, you were the audience favourite. I have to mention the match against PSG, when you were announced the best player and you were awarded for the most beautiful goal of the evening.

I would like to thank especially to the Olympiacos fans, because I had received great support from them. They made it clear during each match, as well as in the city,  how much they loved me. Of course, leaving them is not a pleasant thing to do, but I strongly believe that they will accept my transfer and keep their fingers crossed for me, as some of them have already done for me. I would like to thank again to my fans for the support they were showing me during my stay in Olympiacos.

What is your near future programme? When are you going to join trainings with your new team?

My programme is quite exhausting, as I am in the plane to Athens right now, where I have two days to pack the most important things up, and I should already present myself on training on Thursday. The first match, that I shouldn’t miss, lies ahead of me the day after.

Aren’t you afraid of losing your position in the national team? After all, the way from Qatar is longer than the one from the Champions League.

I have considered all the aspects during my decision making, including the national team. I believe that I will not close the door if I perform well. National team coach, Ján Kozák also made for this view  when he said that playing in Qatar is better than sitting on the bench in Greece. I truly respect his words and I will always accept his decisions. However, I will do everything to keep the position I have built up in the national team.

It’s not a secret that your father is your most loyal and devoted fan. What was his response?

I discuss every single step in my career with my father. For me, his opinion is one of the most important ones, and I was glad that during the discussion we have agreed on all the points of this decision making. My father and my family support me and it’s very helpful as they are the most important people in my life. He wished me all the best and good luck.

And what about your “BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER”, Filip Šebo?

I made a hundred calls with Filip within two days and I discussed every single thing with him, because he has a rational judgement on everything, he can see the reality as it is, and he is always trying to advise me using his own experience. It was also him who helped me make my big decision.

I would like to dedicate my last question to your wife, Maťka, for whom it’s certainly not easy, as your family is expecting a child. How does she manage this eventful situation?

We realize that it won’t be easy time for us, but we coincided that we can handle it together and no other way is taken into account s. Maťka is an exemplary mum, and with the help of our family we will manage everything and later remember and cherish these times with a smile on our face :).