Hiroshima friendly was just one in series od games ahead of season re-start for coach Stevanovic and Partizan supporters, but it had special significance for Nikola Popara. Young player was transferred to senior side tihis Winter, but got ill just a day before journey to Antalya and missed on a large bit of training camp. After 10 days of rest, Popara joined his teammates on Saturday evening, while gaffer opted to field him versus Japanese rival, already. Nikola played last 20 minutes of the game and showed his quality worthy of Serbian champion side.
- Considering I didn`t train for a long time, missing out on a large part of the preps, I have to be happy with the way I played. I got my chance towards the end of the game and tried to show how much I can do. I believe in myself and I know I can do better, hoping I`ll show that with time. It`s really incredible being a part of senior squad, therefore I`m more than happy with my debut– says Popara.
Although his new year`s present was a trip to Antalya with the seniors, his health problems prevented him to join in from the day one.
- I got ill day before Antalya journey and I found it hard when I realised I`m not going to travel. I trained for such things all my life, I was step away from achieving my objective, but it didn`t happen. However, I didn`t drop my head down, made a speedy recovery and here I am. I had some kind of virus infection and I spent 5-6 days at hospital. Upon being released I got permission to do a bit of weights and on Friday I`ve been told I`m in full health and ready for Turkey. At that time, there was no one happier than me.
The very travel to Antalya was a specific event for Popara, considering it was his first airplane journey.
- I was on a plane for the first time in my life, but I had no fears whatosoever. It not a big thing. It meant a lot to me being on a same plane with Vojvodina FC squad, who helped me a lot, as Istanbul Airport is so big and I don`t now how I was going to find my way on my own. This way, everything went well and, most importantly, I`m in Turkey now.
Over the space of several years behind, Partizan always signed at least one defensive midfielder. Therefore, we have a toughest field competition on that particular position.
- I know how tough it is, but that pushes you to work even more. I try do give my best on every practice and boss Stevanovic will judge for himseld how good it is. It`a great honour for me being besides Sasa Ilic, Mladen Krstajic, Moreira and other Partizan players. As a kid, I watched World Cup and them playing there, and God gave me an opportunity to play along them. They always advice me, support me, and that means a lot to me – Popara concluded. |
|
