Heat, humidity and a thunderstorm - Izet Hajrovic may have thought he was back three weeks ago. In Brazil, Werder's new acquisition and the Bosnian national team were fighting to...
Heat, humidity and a thunderstorm - Izet Hajrovic may have thought he was back three weeks ago. In Brazil, Werder's new acquisition and the Bosnian national team were fighting to...
Heat, humidity and a thunderstorm - Izet Hajrovic may have thought he was back three weeks ago. In Brazil, Werder's new acquisition and the Bosnian national team were fighting to reach the last 16. But the World Cup debutants' dream was soon ended. Now Hajrovic arrived in Bremen - he landed at the airport on Wednesday, signed a four-year contract on Thursday and then flew directly back to Zurich.
The Swiss native had quite a packed first official day in his new Werder jersey - photo shooting, press conference, lactate test - quite a marathon. "It was pretty strenuous today but I was prepared for it. It's the first time that I went through something like that. It was really fun," said the new Bremen player, who is really excited about the city, club and teammates. "I saw a little bit of the city. The stadium is great. The best thing was that my teammates and coaching staff took me in right away."
Hajrovic will wear the No. 14 with SVW - an important number. For seven years, Aaron Hunt wore that number on his back. But Hajrovic doesn't want to be compared to him. "The 14 is simply my favourite number. I have worn it since the beginning of my professional career," said the midfielder. "Aaron Hunt was in Bremen for many years and showed his qualities. It's too bad that he left the club. Of course I sense a certain pressure," said Hajrovic. He wants to show that people can count on him. "I would like to continue to develop and give the fans some joy. What's important is that I integrate myself quickly into the team. My goal is to show what I can do."
When asked about his strengths, the 1.77m youngster kept a low profile. "I don't really want to say too much about that." Instead, the left-footer grinned and gave the journalists an answer - YouTube! "Whoever wants to know more can search for my name. Then you can see my strengths and weaknesses. But usually it's my strengths," said Hajrovic with a laugh. Manager Thomas Eichin added: "He is very fast, has a good left foot and can play a number of spots."
The manager addressed one of the biggest pluses of the Bosnian, who last played at Galatasaray Istanbul. Hajrovic can play almost every position, and he doesn't mind any of them. "First off, I want to be on the pitch - whether it's the wing, central midfielder or in offensive midfield. That's the coach's decision," said the 22-year-old.
Before Hajrovic starts his time in his green kit, he gets to take a holiday. Because he played at the World Cup, he can rest up until the start of the training camp in Zillertal. Will he just sit back and put up his legs? No chance, says Hajrovic! "It will be a holiday, yes, but not one in the classical sense. I have to be ready when I start in 10 days. Werder gave me a pulse monitor - I will have to do something," said Hajrovic with a grin. He intends on spending the time with his family in Zurich.
