Nikola Vlasic: I’ll always have PFC CSKA in my heart

— These three years were beautiful. I’ve found many friends here: guys, coaches, all the people in the club were like family to me. But I wanted the new step, a chance to prove myself in more competitive league. Sometimes in football you want new challenges, but it doesn’t change my feelings to PFC CSKA. I had a great moments with the team, fans, everybody at the club.

— Whose initiative it was to move to West Ham?
— West Ham sent an offer to the club. I told that my wish is to go, because, like I said, I wanted the new challenge. The management understand my position and the clubs negotiated and the transfer happened. I’m grateful for everything that they have done for me in the last three years.

— Is it a pity that you can’t say a proper goodbye to the PFC CSKA fans at VEB Arena, as the transfer happened in the international break?
— I’m a little bit sad about that, but I’ll always have fans of PFC CSKA and the club itself in my heart. I have so many good memories about this stadium! I want to say a huge thanks to the fans, who always supported us, at every away game also, even during the pandemia with tough restrictions. When the stands chanted my name, I literally had goosebumps!

— Will you still follow PFC CSKA results and support the team?
— Of course. I still have many friends here. I’ll watch every game I can, keep in touch with the players and the coaching staff.