J. Skjelvik: I am excited to be here

Apollon Football (Public) Ltd has completed the signing of the Norwegian football player, Jørgen Skjelvik, who has successfully passed the medicals.

Jørgen becomes the 3rd Norwegian national who will play for Apollon FC.

The defender shared his first words as an Apollon player, on the club’s official website www.apollon.com.cy.

Welcome to the club Jørgen! What are your first thoughts?

I am positive about this new experience, as a person, I enjoy getting to know new places, new cultures and new people, especially when it’s connected with football. I am excited to be here and I am ready to play!

You have experience from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and USA, however you have never played in an environment such as the one you find here, which is Mediterranean and obviously quite unique. What do you expect?

I have been told that it’s a very unique place and that the culture here will be different to what I have experienced so far, I can’t wait to fell this, to play in front of the Apollon fans. It’s a beautiful challenge for me, the culture, the weather etc, however it doesn’t put me off. Football is all I have been doing for all my life, it comes with the job.

We are a new team with many fresh additions, many new faces and it will take some time to get to know everyone. I believe that all together we can take the team forward and achieve great things!

Before you made the decision to come here, what did you want to know about the club?

I spoke with many people who played in Cyprus in the past, in order to find more about the club, the city and the Cypriot life. What I was told is that it’s a serious club with high demands, with people who surround the team and work relentlessly. Also, I was told that Cyprus is a safe place to live and work.

What other options did you have apart from Apollon?

I had numerous offers from Scandinavia, however I felt that it would not have given me the challenge I was looking for, I wanted to try something new. I believe that I still have a lot to offer as a player, for at least 4-5 years more. I chose Apollon because it’s a big club, with ambitions. A club that continuously plays in European competitions, unfortunately this season we won’t participate in Europe but I am positive that we can get back to it this season.

How was the MLS experience?

The style of play is very different from Europe. At first it was challenging for me to adapt to this, there’s growing interest in the sport and the stadium are usually packed. Football in the states is more individualistic and I wanted to return to Europe at some point because I missed the competitive spirit and tactics involved in European football.

How would you describe yourself as a player?

I play mostly as a center back but I can easily play at left back, I have many appearances in both roles. My main qualities are speed, experience and my defensive play. I can also offer leadership abilities to how the team defends and help my teammates.

Do you think you could be re-called to the Norwegian national team?

I think it’s very tough. Norway now has a plethora of good players, much younger than me and I think its unrealistic to expect a call-up.

And finally, please share some words to the Apollon fans.

I am excited to be here, I can’t wait to “meet” them and play for them and the team. Support us and we will fight for the badge and to reach the top!

The player chose number 3.

Apollon FC welcomes Jørgen!

Press Office
Apollon FC