G. Weissbeck: “If I stayed in Cyprus, it would only be for Apollon”

Gaetan Weissbeck will continue wearing the shirt of Apollon Limassol for the next three years after signing a new contract with the club.

The French midfielder spoke about his decision to renew his contract, the importance of stability in his career, the team’s season, his relationship with the fans and the goals he has set for the coming years in blue and white.

You signed a new three-year contract with Apollon. What does that mean to you?

For me, it means stability and I think that’s very important in football. I don’t like changing clubs every year and when you are in a very good club, with good people, a good coaching staff and an environment where you feel comfortable, then that plays a huge role.

The fans love me and that is also very important for me. Continuing here felt natural because everything works well and I’m genuinely happy.

Was it an easy decision?

Not completely easy, mainly because I’m far away from my family. Maybe there were options closer to home, but at some point you have to make decisions and stop waiting for something different all the time.

We found a very good agreement with the club and I knew exactly what I had here. I’m very happy, and so is my family. That’s the most important thing. Also, the prospect of playing in Europe with these fans and in this stadium is something really special for the coming years.

What made you say “I want to stay here”?

When people appreciate you inside a club, that’s very important for a footballer. I felt trust and support from everyone and that made things clearer for me.

I only see positive things for my future here and that’s why the decision to continue eventually wasn’t that difficult.

Was there interest from other clubs?

Yes, it’s normal in football when you have a good season. There was interest from clubs in Cyprus and abroad, even from Germany.

But in my mind it was clear that if I stayed in Cyprus, I would only continue with Apollon. I never thought about joining another Cypriot club.

Was the three-year deal your idea or the club’s?

It was a common wish from both sides. The club now wants more stability and I believe that is the right path for the future.

In previous years many players changed every season, but now there is a very good squad, a good coaching staff and a very good coach. Everything shows that the team is on the right path and we must continue like this.

How do you see this season so far?

The season has been very good so far. The target was to bring the club back to Europe and we achieved it, which is very important for the club, the players and the fans.

If we also win the Cup, then we can talk about an almost perfect season. The most important thing is that we have a very strong group and that makes the difference.

Which moment stands out the most for you so far?

My second goal away against Pafos was a very emotional moment, but I believe we are not finished yet. I hope the best moments will come before the end of the season.

How difficult was the injury you suffered during the season?

It was very difficult because it was the first serious injury of my career, with five weeks out.

It was a stressful period because I wanted to help the team and my teammates. I tried to return quicker for the semi-final and eventually lost even more time, but these things happen in football. The important thing is that now I feel good for the final and most important matches.

This season you seem even better than last year. How do you explain that?

I think I also had a good season last year, but when the team functions better, you improve together with it.

It’s also my second year here, so now I know the city, the lifestyle and the environment much better. All these things help you feel more comfortable and improve constantly.

It’s important for a player in my position to contribute with goals and assists, but for me the most important thing is always the team.

What matters most is how we perform together, not individually. Of course it’s good to have personal performances, but above everything I put the team first.

Do you now feel like one of the leaders of the team?

Yes, of course. I’m an experienced player, I’ve played many matches in my career and I became captain for the first time when I was 23 years old.

I know this role very well. I’m not the captain who is always shouting. I prefer helping the team through my football and my behaviour on the pitch.

I feel very good inside this group, I have a very good relationship with all my teammates and I think it’s important for every player to understand his role inside the team. For me, leadership is not only about wearing the armband, but about helping the team every single day.

What has changed for you since your first day at Apollon?

As a person, I haven’t changed. I’m still the same.

But now I know the city, the people and the club’s environment much better and that gives me even more confidence. I’m excited for what comes next because I believe we can achieve very beautiful things in the coming years.

How important is your relationship with the coach and your teammates?

With the coach it’s very easy because we speak the same language and we have very good communication. We can openly say what we think.

With my teammates we genuinely have a very good atmosphere and you can see that on the pitch as well. We are all together and that makes the difference.

Your relationship with the fans seems very strong now. When did you feel you had earned their trust?

Very quickly, honestly. From the first months I felt the love from the fans.

Even during difficult moments for the team, supporters were speaking positively to me when they met me in the city. When you feel that strength from the fans, you become even stronger as a footballer.

That’s also one of the main reasons why I wanted to stay at Apollon.

What are your personal and team goals for the coming years?

I want us to win as many titles as possible. If we can win the championship and play in the Champions League, it would be something incredible.

I believe that with this team and this club everything is possible. We must continue working hard, show strength in Europe and continue on the same path.