"WE MUST HAVE PATIENCE"

In recent years, the growing financial resources of Azerbaijani clubs have made them attractive to well-known players of world football. Rasim Kara, Oktay Dereliogli, Bulent Korkmaz and others have played for our teams at different times. But the most famous soccer transfer of the current season was the transfer of Belgian national team player, Emile Mpenza, to Baku's FC Neftci. This was a gift to Azerbaijani fans who had followed Mpenza's play on television with pleasure.

What does Emile Mpenza think of Azerbaijani football, Neftci's leadership of the Premier League and, finally, the recent Belgium-Azerbaijan match in the qualifying stages of Euro 2012? The Belgian footballer himself answered all these questions in an interview with our magazine.

- Emile Mpenza is quite a famous football player. How long did he think about a transfer to Neftci?

- To be honest, when I received the offer, I thought about it for some time. Although I was informed about Neftci, I knew very little about Azerbaijani football as a whole. I collected information through the Internet. On the other hand, I liked the fact that Neftci's management is focused on success in Europe. My decision was greatly influenced by the team's fight for the championship and the opportunity to participate in the Champions League. In short, the proposal to play in Azerbaijan was attractive to me, and I'm happy with my decision.

- Were they not surprised in Belgium when they heard about your transfer to Neftci?

- My family advised me to think carefully, because they knew little about Azerbaijan. However, after my first visit to your country, I became convinced of the correctness of the decision. Sports are loved and athletes are greatly respected here.

- You've been living in Baku for several months; it would be interesting to hear your opinion of the city...

- Baku is very beautiful. At first, I didn't know that I would be living in such a beautiful city. I especially like the area around the esplanade. People are also very good and friendly. Your capital can be compared to the famous cities of Europe. In Belgium, they may not be aware of how beautiful Baku is.

- You've worn the strip of the world's famous clubs. Perhaps, it's strange to wear the strip of an Azerbaijani team?

- This team is already home for me. I'm ready to do everything I can to help Neftci to win. Currently, we're top of the table, ahead of all the other teams. I'd really like to experience the joy of a championship in my first season in Azerbaijan.

- What can you say about the Azerbaijani championship?

- Interest in football has risen in recent years in your country. Clubs are currently doing a professional job. It takes time to see the results. It's difficult to achieve success quickly in football. You must have patience. Children's football is most important. The fight for the championship between three or four teams indicates competition. I should note strong clubs like Xazar-Lankaran and Qarabag. Playing the Lankaran team is very difficult for us. Although your championship is lower than the leading European leagues, progress is evident.

- How important is it for Emile Mpenza to become a champion with Neftci?

- Becoming a champion is very important. To become a champion with Neftci means to see the fruit of our work through the season. And again, by winning, we'll compete in the Champions League. This competition is the most prestigious European club tournament. I believe in success in European cups.

- What do you think are the problems in Azerbaijani football?

- I can't say anything about this after such a short time. I still don't know that much about it. However, not having a stadium is a problem for many clubs. And, naturally, low attendances at stadiums are worrying. Football is played for the fans. If there are no fans in the stadium, the players lose heart. During my stay in your country, I've seen only a small number of fans in the stadium at many games.

- Did you have a chance to watch the Belgium-Azerbaijan match in the qualifying stage of Euro 2012?

- I was unable to play in that match due to injury. I've just recovered now, and the coach didn't pick me for the match with Azerbaijan because I wasn't fit. Belgium's victory was expected. Your team isn't ready yet to play open football away from home. But defeat should not alarm you. Your team needs time.

- It's difficult to highlight anyone after a defeat. Which footballer's play did you like?

- In the Belgium-Azerbaijan match, I liked the playing of the goal-scorer, Ruslan Abisov, in the Azerbaijan team. We play together for Neftci. He's a very hard-working and promising footballer. If he continues to work on himself, he might be transferred to a European club. In my opinion, Abisov is a footballer who could play in the Belgium league.

- The return match between Belgium and Azerbaijan will take place in Baku. How do you assess our team's chances in that game?

- I want to play in that game, too. If I'm ready to play, the Belgium coach will pick me. I believe that if I play against Azerbaijan in the qualifying stage, Neftci's reputation will rise further. And the fans, too, will receive me well in Baku. I don't believe that Belgium will have an easy victory in Baku, because your team always plays well at home. They won't give up so easily here. So an interesting game awaits the fans.