Connor Goldson is one of Apollon\u2019s most significant additions ahead of the new season. The experienced English centre-back spoke to the club\u2019s official website about his decision to wear the blue and white shirt, the project that convinced him, the experiences that shaped his career and the goals he has set with Apollon.<\/p>\n
Welcome to Apollon FC, Connor. How do you feel about starting this new chapter in your career?<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019m very happy and excited. Everything happened very quickly and I\u2019m delighted that the transfer is completed and that I can now begin this new chapter in my career.<\/p>\n What was it that you found at Apollon that made you say yes?<\/strong><\/p>\n First of all, my family is happy in Limassol and I wanted us to stay here. At the same time, I watched Apollon\u2019s progress over the last few months under the new coach and it was something that really excited me.<\/p>\n There were conversations with other clubs, but in the end my family and I chose Apollon. I believe in what the club is trying to build, in the project, the facilities and the people around the team. At this stage of my career, there are things that are more important than money and that\u2019s why I chose Apollon.<\/p>\n When did the first contact take place and what were your initial impressions?<\/strong><\/p>\n The discussions started towards the end of last season, in May. It was very positive that the club showed interest so early and clearly presented its plans and ambitions to me. I came back from my holidays and signed as soon as the final details were sorted out.<\/p>\n How important were your conversations with the coach and Makis Papaioannou?<\/strong><\/p>\n I spoke with both of them. They explained the ambitions of the club and where they want to take the team. I saw that Apollon is moving in a different direction and wants to keep improving and progressing. That played a big part in my decision.<\/p>\n You have already spent two years in Cyprus. How much did that influence your decision to stay?<\/strong><\/p>\n A lot. We are all very happy here. My wife and children have fully settled into life in Limassol. Not having to move to another country again was an important part of my decision.<\/p>\n Did you speak to anyone before making your final decision?<\/strong><\/p>\n Yes, I spoke a lot with Morgan Brown. We have a very good relationship from our time together at Aris and we stayed in touch. He really wanted me to come to Apollon and kept asking when the transfer would be completed. He believed I could help the team and was very happy when I finally signed.<\/p>\n You have already faced Apollon five times. What was it like playing against the club?<\/strong><\/p>\n They were all different games against different versions of the team. Last season, though, I saw a different Apollon towards the end of the campaign. The coach did a very good job and I hope that, with a full pre-season and hard work, we can have a very successful year together.<\/p>\n You have played in major leagues and made more than 80 appearances in European competitions. How have all these experiences shaped you?<\/strong><\/p>\n I feel very fortunate to have had the career I\u2019ve had so far. I\u2019ve experienced things that, as a child, I could never have dreamed of. Everything came through hard work and dedication to football. My career is not finished yet. I\u2019m only 33 and I still feel that I have a lot to offer.<\/p>\n What is the standout moment of your career so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n There have been many, but if I had to pick two, I would say the Europa League final, even though we didn\u2019t win it, and my Premier League debut, which was a childhood dream come true.<\/p>\n What still motivates you to keep going with the same passion?<\/strong><\/p>\n When I was 24, I underwent open-heart surgery after a routine check-up. From that moment, I realised that you should never take football for granted because everything can change in an instant.<\/p>\n Now I also have my children, and they give me even more motivation to keep playing and competing for trophies.<\/p>\n What can Connor Goldson bring to Apollon, both on and off the pitch?<\/strong><\/p>\n I always try to bring my qualities wherever I play. I want to win, I set high standards and I work as hard as I can every day to help the team succeed and move in the right direction.<\/p>\n How would you describe yourself as a footballer?<\/strong><\/p>\n I always try to give my best. I focus on the things I can control, which means working hard every day, improving and becoming better. I know that when I\u2019m at my best, I can help any team significantly.<\/p>\n Many people describe you as a leader. Is that something that comes naturally to you?<\/strong><\/p>\n Yes, it does. I talk a lot on the pitch and I feel comfortable in that role. I believe it\u2019s important for a centre-back to organise the team, communicate and help his teammates.<\/p>\n Apollon is returning to European competitions. How excited are you to experience European nights again?<\/strong><\/p>\n Very excited. We know the road to qualification will be difficult, but we have to take it one game at a time. We\u2019ll work hard during pre-season and, when the matches come, we\u2019ll give everything we have.<\/p>\n What does a team need in order to challenge for trophies and remain competitive?<\/strong><\/p>\n Above all, togetherness. I heard a lot about how close this group is and I experienced it myself from my very first hours here. Everyone, the players and the staff, made me feel welcome. If we keep that unity and continue to work hard every day, there\u2019s no reason why we can\u2019t aim high.<\/p>\n How do you see the prospect of playing alongside Kvida?<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s great and I think it\u2019s part of the project. It\u2019s one of the reasons I came here. I know how good a season he had and I\u2019ve played against him many times. He\u2019s a top defender and I believe we can build a very good partnership.<\/p>\n At this stage of your career, what kind of legacy would you like to leave at Apollon?<\/strong><\/p>\n I want to win trophies. I want my children to see their dad lifting trophies again and celebrating with his teammates and the fans. That\u2019s why we play football.<\/p>\n What message would you like to send to the Apollon fans?<\/strong><\/p>\n I want them to support us as much as possible this season. I watched the Cup final and saw the incredible atmosphere the fans created. If we can have that atmosphere at Alphamega in every game, it will give us a huge advantage.<\/p>\n There will be good moments and difficult moments, but if we all stay together, I truly believe we can achieve something special.<\/p>\n [vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”111729,111731,111727,111725,111723,111721,111719,111717″]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Connor Goldson is one of Apollon\u2019s most significant additions ahead of the new season. The experienced English centre-back spoke to the club\u2019s official website about his decision to wear the blue and white shirt, the project that convinced him, the experiences that shaped his career and the goals he has set with Apollon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":111741,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[167,1],"tags":[1201],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n