Zamiq Aliyev, who became the Albanian champion with the "Egnatia" club, gave an interview to "Report". The defender of the Azerbaijani national team spoke about his championship impressions and proudly representing the country in Europe. He also compared the football championships of Azerbaijan and Albania.
- You became the Albanian champion with "Egnatia", what are your impressions?
- It's hard to express my feelings in words. I really experienced a wonderful moment. It was very nice to end the season with 2 cups during my first European experience. It's a great feeling to raise the Azerbaijani flag in another country.
- Did you believe that you would perform successfully this season, as you did last year?
- Of course, we believed. We were contenders for gold medals this season. Thank God, we managed to defend our title. It would have been a surprise if we hadn't become champions.
- Although several Azerbaijani football players have played in the Albanian championship, they have often left their clubs dissatisfied. What do you think is the reason for this?
- Well, it's hard to say anything about it. You need to be there to know the reason.
- If we compare the Misli Premier League with the Albanian championship, what differences would we see?
- First of all, I must say that there is no big difference between the two championships. Some people think that the Albanian championship is weaker than the Premier League. I don't agree with this. Albania favors a tougher fight, while our country favors technical football. Also, the stadiums are better in Azerbaijan. As far as I can see, these are the differences. But I cannot distinguish one championship from another.
- The season in the Albanian championship has ended. What will your plans be?
- I had signed a 3-year contract with "Egnatia". Therefore, my contract continues.
- Are you thinking about playing in other European clubs?
- Of course, I want to play in bigger championships. I believe that I will achieve my wish over time.
- Is there a possibility of returning to Azerbaijan?
- There is no such possibility yet. All my plans for the future are based on playing in Europe. God willing, things will continue as we planned. It is a great feeling to represent Azerbaijan in European clubs. In general, living a legionnaire life suits me completely. I feel more comfortable in Europe.
- Many football players return shortly after moving to European clubs. What do you think is the reason for this?
- There may be several reasons for this. Of course, they know best. It would not be right to speak for someone else. It would be more appropriate if those football players answered this question themselves.
- With your performance in "Egnatia", you managed to attract the attention of the head coach of the Azerbaijani national team, Fernandu Santuş. Will we be able to see you in the squad in the next matches of the national team?
- For this, we have to wait for the announcement of the national team's squad. I believe that I will be able to see my name on that list. It is a great feeling to protect the honor of the national team.