Brandon Thomas: “I didn’t come here to fail”

Apollon Limassol’s new striker talks about his decision to continue his career in Cyprus, his ambitions with the club, and the role he wants to play on and off the pitch.

Welcome to Apollon! How do you feel about joining the team?

I’m very happy because I know that the Cypriot league has improved a lot in recent years. I had several friends and former teammates who played in Cyprus and specifically at Apollon, such as Emilio Nsue and Héctor Yuste at Mallorca. Both spoke very highly of the club. I actually spoke to Yuste while he was still here. I’m looking forward to joining the squad, adapting quickly, and achieving things together.

How important is it for you to feel at home in the city and the team?

It’s very important because when I have a good relationship with my teammates, it helps me play better and boosts my confidence. It’s not my first time leaving my country. In France, since it was my first experience abroad, it was quite difficult. It took me four months to learn the language, and then things got easier. The league was tough, I was young and inexperienced, but it helped me grow as a person and a footballer. I learned how to live on my own. In Greece, it was easier because I had already gone through it in France. Thessaloniki reminded me a lot of Mallorca, the food was similar, I learned Greek and could communicate. The people were open and friendly, and I really enjoyed it.

You had other offers. What made you choose Apollon?

That was mostly handled by my agent. I just knew there was interest from several clubs, but when Apollon’s offer came, I felt it was the right choice. We reached an agreement easily because both sides wanted the same thing. I was looking for a club with big ambitions and a stable environment, especially since my first child was born just two months ago. I needed stability for the coming years. I came to a beautiful place and I believe I can give my best here. I’m here to help Apollon achieve its goals.

Was there really a renewal offer from PAOK? Why didn’t you stay?

Yes, I did talk with PAOK, and there was an offer for one more year, but I was looking for a two-year contract. Then Apollon came with their proposal, and I accepted it because I liked the project and the club’s philosophy. As I said before, I wanted a place where my family could settle. The Cypriot league is improving every year, as shown by the success of its teams in Europe.

What was the first thing you asked about Cyprus?

The quality of life. As I mentioned, my life changed recently with the birth of my first child. I was also interested in the club’s ambitions. I want to play for teams that fight for titles. I don’t like losing. I’m 30 years old with plenty of experience, and I didn’t come here to fail. I want to win and celebrate success.

You’ve played in Spain, France, and Greece. Do you know much about the Cypriot league?

I knew several Cypriot teams already, as many of my friends played here successfully. There are many Spaniards in the league, and as I’ve said, the level has risen significantly in recent years. The competition is strong.

I know Cyprus is a country with a great quality of life and good weather. People are Mediterranean like in my country and in Greece, where I spent the last few years, so I believe I’ll adapt quickly.

I’m excited. I really want to play here, face new teams, and live different football experiences and challenges.

 

Had you followed Cypriot football before coming here?

I had watched several videos of the team. I especially remember Yuste, who is a friend of mine. I won’t lie – I didn’t watch many games, but I did see highlights and some European matches when my friend Héctor played. I also watched the highlights from the recent friendly against PAOK in the Netherlands.

What are your goals and motivations at Apollon?

My goal is to win as many matches as possible. I don’t want to make big statements, because we all know how football is. I’m here to help Apollon achieve its goals, to win games and fight for whatever we can in the league. We want to be competitive and chase a European spot. There are many strong teams, but my aim is to give everything I have. Apollon is an important club in Cyprus with high ambitions.

What role do you see yourself having in the team?

I have the experience to support the younger players, and together with the other experienced guys, we want to build a strong squad with good character, because I believe that’s very important for a team’s success. Throughout my career, I’ve always tried to support my teammates and the clubs I’ve played for. I promise hard work. I don’t mind if I don’t have big numbers in goals or assists — although I hope to score many — but the most important thing is that the team wins. I can play as a second striker or alone up front, and I’ve also played quite often as a winger.

What are your strengths and how do you think you’ll help on the pitch?

I like to press high up the field. I score quite often — you can see that in my stats — but my main strength is my movement into open spaces and pressing high. I spoke with the coach before the deal was finalized. He told me he knows me well and wanted to be sure that I really wanted to come. I showed him I did. That conversation was important; he showed trust in me, and I really liked that.

Why did you choose the number 23?

Most of the numbers I like were already taken. I chose 23 because of Michael Jordan, but it’s also one of the numbers I’ve always liked.

Apollon is a club with high ambitions. How do you handle the pressure to succeed?

I like pressure. It’s part of our job. I’ve been playing professional football for 13 years, and when you play for a club under pressure, it means it’s a big club. That’s a good thing, as long as you can handle it. If you can’t, then you’re not at the right level. Every time I played under pressure, I did well. I enjoy playing with pressure.

What’s your most special moment with PAOK?

The goal I scored at “Kleanthis Vikelidis” that gave us the league title. Also, the bus ride to Toumba and then to the White Tower. What we experienced that day was something I had never felt before. It was magical, and I hope to live similar moments again.

I assume you received a lot of Instagram messages. What was the nicest or most touching one?

I received many messages from Apollon fans, who welcomed me and wished me the best. At the same time, I also got lots of messages from PAOK supporters under my farewell post. I read them all, and they were truly beautiful and emotional. That shows how much they loved me in that city and how they understood that I gave everything for PAOK. I’ll always carry them in my heart.

What’s your message to Apollon fans?

I want them to know that I will give everything to help Apollon be as high as possible in the standings. Our goal is to achieve the club’s targets, and I will give my all on the pitch.