Joel Asoro is Apollon\u2019s latest signing and introduces himself to the club\u2019s supporters. The Swedish forward talks about his decision to continue his career in Cyprus, as well as his first impressions of the team, the coach, his new teammates and the club\u2019s facilities.<\/p>\n
Joel, what were your first thoughts when the possibility of moving to Apollon came up?<\/strong><\/p>\n I felt very good about it. I know some players who have played in Cyprus, and some of them have also played for Apollon. For me, it is a new and exciting experience, a new adventure and an opportunity to get to know Cypriot football. So far, everything has been very nice.<\/p>\n Which players do you know, and have you spoken to them about your new move to Apollon?<\/strong><\/p>\n I know Charlie Benschop and Felix Va, who both played for Apollon and were at the same club as me in the past.<\/p>\n I haven\u2019t had the chance to speak to them yet about their experience because it has been a very busy period and I had quite a few things to take care of regarding the transfer. So far, I have mainly spoken with the sporting director, and I have heard that Cyprus is a very beautiful country. I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll learn much more soon.<\/p>\n How did your move to Apollon come about? Tell us a little about the story behind the transfer.<\/strong><\/p>\n A very good friend of mine, who had also looked after me since I was younger, played a key role. He had the contacts and was the person who presented the possibility of joining Apollon to me.<\/p>\n He told me it was a very good destination and, when we spoke, he revealed to me that Apollon had been interested in me for quite some time. When you know that a club has wanted you for such a long period, I think it is something you have to take seriously. It means they believe in you and want to help you succeed, while at the same time they want to make the team stronger.<\/p>\n We spoke a lot, he presented my situation to the people at Apollon and then the club presented its plan to me. I looked at it, found it very interesting and from that point on I was waiting for everything to be completed. Over the past few weeks, I was basically waiting for the moment when everything would be ready. When I got the \u201cyes\u201d, I knew the transfer was going to happen.<\/p>\n What convinced you that Apollon was the right next step in your career?<\/strong><\/p>\n I believe it is a very good step for me. From the first moment, I felt there was a family atmosphere within the team. I spoke with the coach, met some of the people at the club and understood that there is a very good mix of players.<\/p>\n I also learned that Apollon managed to move from sixth or seventh place to third in the standings over the last few months, having a very good run in last season\u2019s championship. I was told that one of the most important things about this team is its togetherness and the fact that everyone works as one. That is exactly what I was looking for as well. I want to add my own abilities to what is already here, and I believe it can be a very good step for both Apollon and me.<\/p>\n How important was the club\u2019s ambition and its goals in your decision?<\/strong><\/p>\n It was very important. When you see a club that wants to take the next step, you want to be part of that effort. Of course, we all want to compete at the top and win. We want to achieve big things with the club. So, for me, it was not a difficult decision.<\/p>\n What do you know about the coach\u2019s philosophy, and what did you discuss during your conversations with him?<\/strong><\/p>\n I have seen that he likes attacking football, and I really like his philosophy regarding the way the team works. He wants the players to help and push each other every day, even outside football. I believe you need this kind of environment to continue developing as a footballer. It is not only about what happens on the pitch, but also what happens off it, the family atmosphere and the relationships between people.<\/p>\n He is Argentine, he loves football, so it is no surprise that he has such a deep understanding of the game.<\/p>\n He told me that he believes I can become an important player for the next step in my career and that he feels our collaboration can help me achieve my goals. We will take it step by step and see how things develop.<\/p>\n How would you describe yourself as a player to the Apollon supporters?<\/strong><\/p>\n I am a fast player, with good technique and the ability to create things. I like to play directly, get into the box and score goals.<\/p>\n I would say I am a combination of a wide forward and a striker who can also move more centrally. I can play as a winger, but I can also play up front. We will see what I can bring to the team, and hopefully I can surprise them in a good way.<\/p>\n You have played in different countries and leagues. What do you expect from your time in Cypriot football?<\/strong><\/p>\n I expect it to be an exciting but also difficult challenge. There are many good teams and I already know that the level is competitive. I have played against APOEL in the past, so I have an idea of what the teams here can do.<\/p>\n I hope I can contribute and help the team achieve its goals. I am ready for the challenge.<\/p>\n You have already completed your first training sessions with the team. How is your physical condition and how long do you expect it will take you to be fully ready?<\/strong><\/p>\n I had my first training session a few days ago and everything went very well. I have match fitness, so I don\u2019t think it will take me a long time to reach the desired level.<\/p>\n The main difference I need to get used to is the heat and the different weather conditions. I have to be smart and careful about that, but in terms of my physical condition, I feel good. I believe that once I adapt to the weather, everything will be fine.<\/p>\n What are your first impressions of the team?<\/strong><\/p>\n Everyone is very nice and friendly. The first training session was at a very good level and it was great to meet everyone. I believe it is going to be a very good experience.<\/p>\n There really is a family atmosphere within the team, and I like that a lot. I\u2019m looking forward to contributing to my new teammates and working together with them.<\/p>\n The dressing room is also very good, as are the facilities. Everything a footballer needs is there, including everything required for recovery, so the conditions are very good.<\/p>\n Why did you choose the number 29?<\/strong><\/p>\n I chose 29 because it was the first professional number I had in my career, when I was at Sunderland and made my Premier League debut. So it has a special meaning for me.<\/p>\n What would you like to say to the Apollon supporters?<\/strong><\/p>\n It is going to be a great season. We want to enjoy it, achieve a lot and fight for the club.<\/p>\n Apollon must always come first. That is our main goal. We want to fight together and achieve big things.<\/p>\n Apollon Limassol <\/strong> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Joel Asoro is Apollon\u2019s latest signing and introduces himself to the club\u2019s supporters. The Swedish forward talks about his decision to continue his career in Cyprus, as well as his first impressions of the team, the coach, his new teammates and the club\u2019s facilities. Joel, what were your first thoughts when the possibility of moving<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":113235,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[163],"tags":[1201,2256],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\nPress Office<\/strong><\/p>\n