Danilo Spoljaric: “I still have goals to achieve with this team”

Danilo Spoljaric will continue wearing the Apollon shirt after signing a new contract with the club for the fourth time. Speaking to apollon.com.cy, the Cypriot international midfielder discusses his decision to stay, the ambitions he still wants to fulfil, the injury that brought one of the most enjoyable seasons of his career to an unfortunate end and the special bond he has developed with the club.

You signed your first professional contract with Apollon in 2018. Looking back, what do you remember most about that day?

Not much, to be honest. Even though it was a very important moment in my career, I didn’t pay too much attention to it at the time. I remember signing at the old offices and I considered it a natural step. I never imagined that it would lead to the journey I’ve had so far.

I’ve never been someone who looks too far ahead. Especially at 18 years old, I was focused only on the present.

Eight years later, you’re signing a new contract for the fourth time. What does that mean to you personally and how do you feel entering this new chapter?

First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Kyrzis, Mr. Papaioannou and Mr. Losada for the trust they have shown in me, as well as my family and my partner for their support. I would also like to mention my agent, Antonis Rikkas, who has been by my side every step of the way.

I promise to remain true to myself and continue giving everything I can for the team.

My emotions are mixed because the season ended with a serious injury. The 2025-2026 campaign was probably the one I enjoyed the most in my career, but unfortunately it turned into the most difficult period I’ve ever experienced.

I still have goals to achieve with this team and I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to keep pursuing them.

My journey with Apollon has had many ups and downs. We won the championship in my first season, missed out on Europe in the second and found ourselves in the bottom group in the third. Those experiences shaped me.

What was your main priority during these negotiations?

Financial aspects always play a role because football is our profession and one day those earnings will come to an end. However, money was not my priority.

What mattered most to me was feeling appreciated. I feel respected and valued within the club. The affection I receive from the people around the team played a decisive role in my decision.

The atmosphere within the squad this season was also very important. There is nothing better than waking up in the morning and going to work happy.

If you asked me which season had the best dressing room atmosphere, I would say this one was even better than the championship-winning season. When everyone talks about a family environment, it’s because it truly exists.

The coach’s presence was another important factor. His football philosophy and style suit both the team and me personally.

I believe that through the project the club has built, I can achieve my personal goals. A very good foundation has been laid and we shouldn’t tear everything down at the first sign of difficulty.

You’ve become closely associated with Apollon. Do you see yourself wearing the number 8 shirt one day?

Not yet. Number 20 is a number that means a lot to me. I celebrated a league title in a season when I initially found myself outside the squad and I don’t want to forget everything I experienced back then.

I’m still not ready for the number 8. I want to make my career as Dani.

The team will finally play European matches in Limassol again. How excited are you about that?

At last. I feel we have waited a long time for this, but we are going to enjoy it. I hope we won’t experience what happened in 2020-2021, when we were eliminated in the first round. I believe we will be much better prepared this time.

Throughout your career you’ve experienced loans, injuries and difficult moments. Which experience shaped you the most?

My loan spell in Slovakia. It may not have been successful from a football perspective, but it helped me grow as a person.

When I returned and found myself out of the plans, I learned to appreciate even more what I had at Apollon. I believe the mentality I developed during that period is one of the reasons I am where I am today.

Eventually, Mr. Zorniger mentioned me as an example because I went from being the seventh-choice midfielder to becoming the second choice.

There are now younger players following the same path from the Academy to the first team. What advice would you give them?

Society has changed a lot. Young players today have more confidence and courage. That can help you have a bigger career, but if you cross the line, it can also destroy you.

The key is finding the right balance.

Everyone knows it’s not easy to play for a big club. You have to be ready when your opportunity comes and make the most of it.

How important has your family been throughout this journey?

They have been the most important part. My partner supports me every single day and my brothers are also my closest friends. Whenever I need them, they are always there.

That’s how I was raised and family is the most important institution in my life.

What message would you like to send to the Apollon fans after signing your new contract?

I want them to continue supporting us the way they did this season. Their presence was extremely important.

We lost the Cup Final and, unlike in the past, there was no toxicity. That helped the team a lot.

I know that when things are going well, everyone enjoys beautiful moments. When defeats come, criticism is normal.

What I want the fans to understand is that during the match they should stand by the players and support them. Once the game is over, everyone has the right to express their opinion, but negativity during the game doesn’t help anyone.

Press Office
Apollon FC