Interview with Edward Herrera

by Ayrton Galea - 16th November 2012

For this week's interview, we decided to interview yet another player who joined our Club during the Summer Transfer Market. For this week, we chose the Maltese international player and one of the most established right backs on the island, Edward Herrera.

Who is Edward Herrera?

I just turned 26 and celebrated my birthday last Wednesday. I was born in Malta and lived in Mosta till the age of 4. I then left for Australia with my family and returned at the age of 8. I have lived in Ibrag ever since. I was educated at St. Aloysius College. As a person I would say that I am very calm and organised.

How do you spend your regular day?

My usual day involves teaching Pure Mathematics at De La Salle Sixth Form till early afternoon, after which I go home and rest a little before leaving for training. In the evening I either relax on my own or with my girlfriend, or else I meet my friends for a casual drink.

How do you spend your weekends?

Weekends mainly depend on the day our match is going to be played as this also dictates whether we have training on Saturday or not. Other weekend activities usually include a motorbike ride on Sunday mornings, relaxing on my computer, celebrating mass and meeting my friends.

What are your main hobbies besides football?

I love driving my motorbike when the weather is sunny, swimming and playing beach volleyball with my mates in summer, and any outdoor activities really which get my adrenaline pumping. I also enjoy eating out.

What is your favourite food?

My favourite food would probably be a medium-rare juicy steak with chips. I also love pasta, hot-dogs, egg and cheese burgers, pizza, etc.

What is your favourite kind of music?

I don't really follow music but any kind will do, depending on my mood really... except rap.

Mention three things you cannot live without.

I can't live without being happy, without being around people I love and who love me, and without sweets.

Do you have a favourite quote or motto?

A life lived in fear is a life half lived.

What motivates you most in life?

Being happy with what I do and having fun doing stuff really motivates me.

Do you follow international football? If yes, which is your favourite nation when it comes to football, and which is your favourite club?

I follow the scores of the main European leagues and international football but I rarely watch a full match and have never had a favourite club or nation.

Who is your favourite player? Why?

From the little I see, lately it would be Javier Hernandez of Manchester United because he looks so sharp and hungry for goals.

What is your biggest fear on the pitch?

I only fear getting injured. As long as I'm involved in football, I always want to play and help my team and hate being on the bench due to injury or in the stands due to suspension.

Can you tell us a bit about your experiences before joining our Club?

When I was young, I practised all types of sport and at the age of 11, I joined Melita with whom I spent around 7 years and won the Third Division League Trophy. At 19, I joined Pieta for a couple of years on loan and I gained my first Premier League experience. I then moved to Hibernians again on loan for a year and won the Premier League Trophy that year. Hibernians then decided to buy me from Melita and I signed a 5 year contract. Internationally, I first represented Malta at the FISEC games and then at U19 and U21 level under the guidance of Mark Miller. It was he who recommended me to Hibernians and developed me into the player I am today. In my second year with Hibernians, I was called up for the first time with the National A squad and debuted against Bulgaria three years ago.

Why did you decide to join Birkirkara FC?

I decided this year that I needed to make a change in my career and Birkirkara immediately showed that they were very interested in me. The coach was very happy to have me on his team and this, together with the club's structure and ambitions, lured me towards joining the club.

How are you feeling with the Club? Have you settled in?

I immediately felt welcome at the club and had no problems settling in with the other players, some of whom I already knew beforehand.

How would you describe the atmosphere in the dressing room?

It's a very lively dressing room and fun to be in; but at the same time very serious and professional during training.

How do you describe your performances so far? Do you think you reached your maximum level or there's still room for improvement?

I'm not very satisfied with most of my performances so far and have definitely not reached my maximum level. I'm training hard and focusing on being better on match day and hopefully everyone will be able to see an improvement in the coming months as I wish to be one of Birkirkara's key influential players.

Who is your best team mate?

I cannot mention just one as the others will cry.

What are your comments about the last match against Mosta?

I'm very happy with the three points. We were very disciplined and aggressive and hopefully we can repeat this type of attitude against weaker opposition.

Can you tell something us the episode of the sending off in the previous match against Qormi?

I was angry because although it was a late challenge as I reacted slowly, I did not think it merited a straight red. I was sad because my team suffered due to this decision and we eventually lost two precious points. It's my first Premier League sending off and I must learn from this experience as always.

How were you feeling facing your former team Hibernians for the first time three weeks ago?

There was nothing much different from facing any other team except that I knew most of the players and exactly what to expect. I prepared no differently for this match.

How is the squad preparing for the next game against Melita?

Some of the players, including myself, were involved with the National team against Liechtenstein so we haven't trained with the team this week but I'm sure that the rest of the players are preparing well and with the right attitude.

What are your targets and the Club's targets for this season?

We'd definitely love to win a cup this season and with the squad that has been assembled thanks to the committee and the coach, I believe this to be a very realistic target.

Do you have a message for the supporters?

I wish to see more supporters at the ground cheering the team on as Birkirkara is one of the biggest places in Malta and this would motivate us more to perform to our maximum. I also wish to thank the supporters who are there behind us at every game for the atmosphere that they create.

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