The June 2010 issue of Soccer International Magazine features my article/interview with Serbia forward Nikola Zigic
Serbia has been known for having great forwards with individual talent and today the country’s number one goalscorer is one of the tallest footballers in the world standing at 202 centimetres tall. Nikola Zigic looks more like a basketball player than a striker owned by one of Spain’s biggest clubs.
In many ways, the 29-year-old’s rise in the game has been remarkable. Only six years ago he was playing in the Serbian third division. When former European Champions Red Star Belgrade came knocking, it was a dream come true.
Zigic went on to score over 70 goals for the storied club becoming a cult hero. Owing to his giant frame, there was the obligatory raft of headed goals, but his talent was deeper than that. He also managed to net remarkable goals by foot, like the 40-yard screamer against AS Roma in the 2005/2006 UEFA Cup.
Come June he will be Serbia’s go-to-guy and someone the Socceroos should be weary of.
Serbia qualified on top if its group. What has been the key to the teams success?
Serbia has a very good team, we are a tight group of very good players. After each training session and match we played better and better. We also have a world class coach.
We are capable of good things.
What are the teams chances at the World Cup, What do you think of the group?
The group will be quite difficult. There are very good teams. First, as the favourite offcourse is Germany and then there are three teams that will fight for second place. Serbia, Ghana and Australia are all teams that can cause a surprise. In World Cups you must be very fortunate to get through the group, which is the main priority for all teams.
You’re role in the national team?
Depends on what the coach wants. Each player has its own characteristics, we are a group that when one of us is not playing, the other helps with their qualities and makes positive things. It is very important you’re team-mates are fully behind you no matter what.
What do you know about football in Australia and its players?
The truth is that I know nothing of football in Australia but I know some of its players. You have players in the Premiership which is an excellent level of football and the players will be physically strong and mentally strong. Tim Cahill is particularly good, he is good in the air and probably scores as much headers as me. It’s a good side.
Although you don’t play much for the first team, when give the opportunity you perform very well, especially in the national side. What seems to be the problem then?
I have a lot of playing time but not as much as I would like. When I do play I try to give it my all and help the team every way possible. It is difficult because we usually play with one forward, that’s what the coach likes, and offcourse David Villa is very, very good which makes it a little hard.
Many European clubs are interested in you. Will you leave Valencia after the World Cup?
I don’t know what will happen at the end of the season. The only thing that is clear is that I have two more years of my contract left and I will fight for success in Valencia.
When you scored a goal in the Eternal Derby between Red Star and Partizan you celebrated you’re goal by pretending to play basketball.
Lothar Matthaus was the coach of Partizan at that time and he said he would hire Vlade Divac (Serbian basketball legend) to stop me. I scored in the match and in the celebration I made a gesture of taking a jump shot, nothing more.
Should Australia hire a Basketball player to defend you?
Haha. As long as I score I will be happy.
You have been voted Serbian Player of the Year three times
Those three awards are very important to me, it gives me a great sense of pride. It keeps me motivated in performing better and better.
Former Red Star forward Branko Jelic joined the A-League this season. Maybe one day you will do the same?
You never know what can happen in the future everything is possible. For now I only think about the present and my team Valencia.
How much do you know about the A-League?
The truth is I know nothing of the league, because in Europe you can’t watch it on television but I will give it a go when there is an opportunity.
What would you like to say for the fans of Australia ahead of the clash between Serbia and Australia?
It will be a very difficult game, I do not anticipate anything like it before but I’m sure it will be a great game. We are a team with good potential especially on the attack. I hope that Serbia will win and that we will qualify.
