Vernon De Marco: I want to win every match

Vernon De Marco, the new signing of Apollon Limassol, spoke about his first impressions of the team, reveals the reasons that led him to Cyprus and how he intends to contribute his experience to Apollon.

How are your first impressions of Limassol and the team?

The city is amazing and reminds me of Greece, both the environment and the people. I haven’t met all my teammates yet, but I’m very excited to meet them.

When did Apollon’s interest in you start?

Apollon’s interest started at the beginning of the transfer window, but at that time I was focused on the Euro. After the tournament ended, I weighed my options with my wife. It was a difficult decision, as we had to consider our family’s security, but also my desire to compete at a high level. One of my goals is to play in the World Cup in two years with Slovakia. I know it’s difficult, but Slovakia created a lot of hope with its performance in the Euro. The transfer to Apollon gives me the opportunity to compete in European football again and to claim a place in the national team.

You were born in Argentina, but you play for the Slovakian national team. How did this connection come about?

I moved to Spain at a young age and started playing football there. Later, at the age of 19, I received an offer from Slovakia and decided to try my luck there. After a few years, I acquired citizenship and became an international. Although I was born in Argentina, I feel Slovakian and I am proud to represent the country. I want to win every game, even against Argentina. It is one of my dreams to play against Argentina and Messi.

What is the biggest achievement in your career and what is your most vivid memory?

My participation in the Euro with Slovakia was definitely my biggest achievement. But a memory that stands out is the qualification to the Euro against PAOK, when I scored a crucial goal. It was a magical night. The best achievement in my career is to play in Europe with Slovan and recently with the national team in the Euro. But one of the best memories is when we qualified to the Euro against PAOK in Greece. We won 1-0 at home and lost 3-2 away, but we qualified because of the away goal. I scored the second goal and this was one of the best memories I have in my career, because of what it meant for me that year and for everything I think.

How do you think you can help Apollon achieve its goals?

I believe I can help the team with my mentality and my desire to win. I see the potential of the team and the coach and I believe we can achieve great things. I want to help Apollon win titles.

What convinced you to come to Cyprus and play for Apollon?

Apollon is a club with great prospects, excellent facilities and ambitious goals. Also, I know the coach from Slovakia and I have great respect for his work. We weren’t together, but two years ago I was in Slovakia and he was at DAC Dunajska. I would say it is one of the best teams in Slovakia, after Slovan. They didn’t have the best team in the league, but he got the best out of this team and in the end they lost the title in the details. Since I was in Slovakia, I never had such competition with any team. It was the first time that someone challenged us so much. I also know him from Zilina, where every year they sold three or four players for millions of euros. The reason I’m here is also because I believe that the coach can get the best out of the team.

Did you talk to Jaromir before you made your decision?

Yes, we are in touch, but I didn’t ask him about the decision because it’s something personal. However, he informed me about everything I needed to know. We played together for two years at Slovan and Jaro is a really great guy. He is a very good character for a football club. We played together for two years at Slovan and Jaro is a really great guy. He has a very good character for a football club. It’s very nice to have a friend on the team, especially when you go to a new country.

Do you think you will have trouble adapting to the weather conditions and Cypriot football?

I don’t think I will have a problem adapting. The weather in Dubai is even worse than here, so I’m used to the heat and humidity. Also, my experience from European games will help me adapt quickly to the Cypriot league.

How would you describe your playing style and your strengths as a defender?

What characterizes me is my strong mentality. I want to win every game and I believe that with this mentality I will help the team to win titles. I would prefer you to see it on the pitch and describe me yourself. I don’t like to talk about myself, but as I said, my mentality and perhaps passion are my characteristics.

Which position do you prefer to play?

At my age I feel more comfortable at centre-back because of the physical side. I can also play at left-back, because I’m used to playing with the national team in that position. I can also play in a three-man defence on the left side. This is one of my favourite positions when the system is organised and everyone on the team is used to it.

Does the number 81 on your shirt have any special meaning?

My favourite number is 18 because of my birthday. I had 18 when I first went to Slovakia. When I came back from Poland, 18 was taken, so I changed the number. In the first game I played for the Europa League qualifiers, I scored a goal. So I never changed the number again. I consider it a lucky charm.

Do you have a message for the Apollon fans?

I want to tell them that I can’t wait to meet them and play in front of them. Their support is very important, especially during difficult times. I’m here to give my best and help the team achieve its goals.