Emanuel Aiwu: “Our goal should be to reach the league phase of the UEFA Conference League”

One of Apollon’s key additions ahead of the new season, Emanuel Aiwu arrives in Limassol bringing valuable experience from Austria, Italy, England and the UEFA Champions League. The 24-year-old Austrian centre-back has signed a contract until May 2029 and is ready to begin a new chapter in his career wearing the blue and white jersey.

In his first interview as an Apollon player, Aiwu reflects on his journey through European football, explains why he chose Apollon despite having other options, discusses Hernán Losada’s football philosophy, shares his ambitions in Cyprus and Europe, and sends his first message to the club’s supporters.

Welcome to Apollon, Emanuel. How does it feel to officially become part of the club?

I’m very happy to be an Apollon player. I’m happy that everything is now official and I can’t wait to meet my teammates, the coaching staff, everyone at the club and, of course, our fans. I’m really looking forward to this new chapter in Cyprus and I’m convinced we can achieve great things together.

You have played in Austria, Italy and England. Looking back, how has each step of your career helped shape you as a player?

Every move was an important step for me. I started at a smaller club in Austria before joining Rapid Vienna, where I had a good season. That earned me a move to Serie A with Cremonese.

Later, I joined Birmingham City on loan because I had always wanted to experience English football. It was a difficult season with many changes, but experiences like that make you stronger.

Afterwards, I moved to Sturm Graz, played in the UEFA Champions League and won another league title. Every club taught me something different and helped me grow both as a footballer and as a person.

You had several options this summer. Why did you choose Apollon?

I felt it was the best overall package for me. Apollon is a big club with ambition and the opportunity to play in Europe again was very important.

I also had a very good conversation with the coach. He explained his football philosophy, the way he wants the team to play and the role he sees for me. That gave me a really good feeling.

Life in Cyprus is also very attractive and, from my first conversations with the people at the club, I felt this was the right place for me.

You mentioned your conversation with the coach. What impressed you the most?

He explained very clearly how he wants the team to play, with a dominant style of football, and how he believes I can help the team.

For me, it’s always important to have a good relationship with the coach and to clearly understand what he expects from me. I left that conversation with a very positive feeling.

Did you speak with anyone before making your decision?

Yes. Through a mutual friend I got in touch with Ivan Ljubic. He spoke very positively about the club, the coach, the team and life in Cyprus. It was helpful to hear the opinion of someone who had already experienced all of that.

How would you describe yourself as a defender?

I would describe myself as an aggressive defender who enjoys winning duels. My first responsibility is always to defend well and help the team keep clean sheets.

At the same time, I like to have the ball at my feet, help build up the play and communicate with my teammates. As a centre-back, you see the whole game in front of you and you can help organise the team.

You have also played as a right-back. How comfortable are you in different positions?

My natural position is centre-back and that’s where I feel most comfortable. But if the team needs me to play at right-back, I can do that as well.

How would you describe your current fitness level?

I feel good physically, although I’m not yet at one hundred per cent because I wasn’t always training fully with my previous club towards the end.

I’m working hard every day to reach my best level and I want to help the team as soon as possible. After that, it’s up to the coaching staff to decide when the right moment is.

Apollon returns to European competition this season. How excited are you about that challenge?

It’s great that the club is back in Europe, but I don’t think we should be satisfied just by playing in the qualifying rounds.

Our goal should be to reach the league phase of the UEFA Conference League. It would be something special for the club and especially for our fans, because I believe they deserve European football. That’s what we’re working hard for every day.

Having played in the UEFA Champions League and other European competitions, how can your experience help the team?

Playing in the Champions League teaches you a lot because you compete against some of the best teams in the world.

I hope I can use that experience to help the team, especially through communication and by staying calm in difficult moments. At the same time, we already have a very good squad with quality and experience, and everyone can contribute to achieving our goals.

 

What are your personal goals for your first season with Apollon?

First of all, I want to adapt as quickly as possible, get to know my teammates and build a strong understanding with them.

After that, my goal is simple: to help the team both on and off the pitch, be successful in the league and do everything I can to help Apollon in Europe.

Finally, what message would you like to send to the Apollon fans?

I can’t wait to meet them. I’ve already heard many good things about our supporters and I know how passionate they are.

I’m a passionate player as well. I always give one hundred per cent, I fight for the badge and I never back down from a challenge.

I hope we can enjoy many successful moments together. I can’t wait to see you all at the ALPHAMEGA Stadium.

The player has chosen to wear the number 4 shirt.

Press Office
Apollon Limassol