Dani Escriche: “I chose the ideal club for my first step outside Spain”

Dani Escriche is Apollon’s latest signing and speaks about his first step outside Spain, his ambitions and his playing style.

Welcome to Apollon. How do you feel?
I feel a bit nervous, to be honest. The trip was long and tiring, but I believe it was worth it and I’m very happy to be here.

What convinced you to join Apollon and take on this new challenge?
What convinced me was that the club really believed in me from the first moment. They showed me a lot of trust and that made me take the next step in my career. I had never played outside Spain before, and for my first experience abroad I believe I chose the ideal club. I hope I can repay that trust.

What did you know about the club and the Cypriot league before coming?
I had heard that the league is demanding and that there is a good level, but when you don’t have an offer, you don’t pay much attention. When the call came, I started to look into it more.

Did you speak with anyone to learn more about the team and the league?
Yes, I spoke with Brandon, who I had played against in Spain. He told me great things about the club, the city and the people. Everything happened very fast and I had to decide in just a few hours, so that conversation helped me a lot.

What was the first thing you asked him?
I mainly asked about life in the city, the daily routine, the club, the dressing room and the coach. I wanted to know what everyday life is like here.

What do you think you can offer Apollon?
I can offer my energy, enthusiasm and character. I want to show what I can do and establish myself in the team. It will be a fast period, but I feel physically in very good shape and I want to take advantage of that.

How would you describe your playing style?
I like to play offensively, always look for goal, move forward, beat opponents either through the middle or from wide areas and always aim to score.

Apollon wants to dominate on the pitch. How do you see this playing style?
It is the style that suits me the most. I like when the team dominates, presses the opponent and keeps them in their half. That’s when chances, goals and individual actions appear.

This is your first time outside Spain. How important is this step?
It is the most important step of my life. I thought I would continue in Spain, but this opportunity came and I felt it was the right moment to leave my comfort zone. I believe there is no better place to do that.

You have experience in La Liga. What was the biggest lesson?
The biggest lesson was how decisive the small details are at the top level. In La Liga every chance is punished and every mistake costs you. That taught me how important it is to be decisive in both boxes.

A message to Apollon fans?
I hope you are happy to have me here, as I am to be here. I want us to achieve great things this season and to repay all your trust and support.