Andrei Agius talks to birkirkarafc.com

by Ayrton Galea - 3rd February 2011

Birkirkara extend their positive run, and they managed to beat Vittoriosa Stars. We decided to interview the player who had a dream debut, Andrei Agius.

Andrei made his debut on Sunday, and besides giving a five star performance, it was his wonderful goal on the 39th minute which enabled 'The Stripes' to pick the three points.

After several years playing abroad, Andrei decided to join a Maltese club, and we asked him about this decision. Andrei told us, "This was my seventh year in Italy and my seventh consecutive year playing in Lega Pro Division 2. Football is all about motivation and challenges. The beginning of this year wasn't one of the best because of financial problems of the club, and even some personal ones. So as soon as Coach Paul Zammit called me I accepted the new challenge and I'm very happy that I did."

Every club wishes to have players that are experienced abroad, and forming part of the National Squad too. We asked Andrei why he decided to choose Birkirkara and not another club in Malta. He said "I choose Birkirkara because even tough the club runs on semi-professional basis it's the only club who is really working hard to improve, day by day, in every aspect. Apart from that Birkirkara at the moment is the best team on the island since they are the reigning champions and they have the best players and the best coach. So, why not?"

We were curios about the difference between local and foreign clubs and since Andrei has a vast experience playing abroad, we asked for his view. He told us "The main difference is that the Club still runs on a semi-professional basis, so many small things, like we train at six in the evening first two days and then have to go and train with national team. But, as for other things, there is no such big difference. Also, Birkirkara are closing the gap slowly, slowly from their side, to be professional as possible and that's already something. Were there is a will there is a way."

A good atmosphere in a football club is extremely important, especially during training where the players meets once or twice daily. We asked Andrei about this in our Club, and he replied, "The atmosphere per se is good. We work hard and we know what the Coach wants from us. From my side training at six in the evening is new but adaptation in football is a must, no questions asked. You have to do your job and that's it."

Since Andrei is one of the latest signings, we asked him if he has settled down with his team mates. "I knew half the team because of past experiences with the National team. I was room mate for three years with Paul Fenech with the Under 21s and I know Trevor Cilia and Joseph Zerafa too. But if I had to choose some one who I really clicked with after these past two weeks I choose Michael Fraser. He is a very nice guy, and very down to earth."

We turned our discussion to Sunday's match, where as we said before, Andrei had a very good performance and he rounded it up with a goal in style. The winning goal in his first match. We asked Andrei what he felt when he scored. "It was a big relief for me as said before. The start of the season wasn't one of the best so coming to Malta, play my first game and score was the maximum for me. The most important thing is that we won and got our three points. So couldn't ask for anything better."

On a more general aspect, we talked with the 24 year old about his targets for this season, and he replied, "My personal targets are to get back in shape with the help of the coaching staff and improve and increase my qualities. I'm not on a holiday. I took the decision to come back here to work hard and give my best services for Birkirkara. As regards the team's targets I'm not setting one. We have to play game after game and then at the end of the season we see what the final result is. We are far behind the leaders Valletta, but in life nothing is impossible."

The title race is still far from ending, and although Valletta seem to have a comfortable lead, we asked Agius about Birkirkara's chances for this season. "The chances for Birkirkara are still there as the league is still not assigned to anyone, and let's not forget that there are still two main honours at stake. As for the league every body knows how things are. Valletta is showing some good football and they are a very consistent team, but as said before, let's win our games first and then we see what the others will do."

To conclude this very interesting interview, Andrei Agius had a message for the Birkirkara supporters. "I start by thanking them for their support and for accepting me in this big family. All I can ask them is to stay behind us in this final part of the season because they can give us that extra boost like they did last week and even in the past years. I know what Birkirkara fans are made off and I am hundred percent sure that they are going to be there at the end of this season too."

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