Kristijan Belic is officially AZ Alkmaar player. 22-year-old midfielder signed a four-year deal with his new club and we spoke to Belic ahead of his departure to Netherlands.
“This is so emotional for me as I spent best 18 months of my life here! I`d like to thank Partizan for enabling me to mature as a player and to present myself in a best fashion, which resulted in this move to AZ Alkmaar. Thank you for the opportunity to advance as a player and big thanks to my teammates, Partizan management and boss Duljaj.
I had best time in the world over this year-and-a-half. I arrived here without a fuzz and everyone embraced me from the day one. It`s hard leaving now but I hope this is the right football path for me. It`s hard talking about leaving now”, said Belic.
Partizan had faith in you. You arrived when Gordan Petris was in charge, kind of your footie father, someone who understood everything about you, including all the bookings you received. We think he helped you develop as a player.
“Yes, he made the decision where I stand. I started playing and everything turned out for the best. Previous Partizan boss Stolica needs to be credited as he signed me but everyone else was there for me too. Every single day here was beautiful! As much as we know one plays to get a good transfer abroad, when the time comes you realize how much you would like to stay and how much it means to you to play here but I`m positive about my future, I have to be”.
AZ Alkmaar is a serious club, we played the number of times in UEFA Europa League. Also, our Rajko Brezancic played there. Did you follow Alkmaar lately, watched their games? Your family lives in Belgium, you`ll be two hours from them now. What did they say about your move?
“Yes, it` s not far, two hours only. Alkmaar had a game yesterday and I did have a bit of a look at them, great club and great country. After Partizan, I think this is a very good step forward for a player`s development. I also think I get playing time in my new club. But, there`s lot of emotions going on right now, lots of big memories from Partizan days”.
What is it you are going to miss from Partizan the most? Everyone was supporting you here, all the staff, security, kit men, youth academy people…
“Absolutely everyone was supportive! I was here every day and it was never hard when you have to show up for the training session early in the morning. Every game had its lure as well. Unfortunately, our die-hards were not present for our home games for the past six months but they were there in numbers for our away matches. I never found it hard to play, every single one was a joy to look forward too. I`m really thrilled I`m departing after Eternal derby game win so I closed one chapter of my life in a nice fashion”.
You crowned your Partizan spell with an excellent derby performance. How did you see it considering Partizan was kind of considered a minnow ahead of the big game while die-hard boycott was still going on?
“We had lots of support from East and West stand so it didn`t feel like we were had no fans on our side. Of course, it`s different when you have South stand behind you but I`m sure they supported us over the TV screens. That derby win is the best thing I`ve done here as well as seeing Partizan top of the pile at half-season. I regret I cannot finish the season with Partizan but this move is going to help both me and the club. I hope everything will turn out good”.
You had some great time with your teammates. We were all there at your wedding; we also celebrated the birth of your baby girl together. As you said, best days of your life so far?
“It`s all about family and Partizan is a family club! This 18-month period here feels like ten years. I have a feeling I`ve been at the club all my life. I had an honour to have my teammates at my wedding and they celebrated best moments of my life with me. Well, they were there when my baby girl was born - we did live football and non-football related moments together and it`s so hard for me to leave now”.
On the other hand, you already know the mentality of the environment you are moving to. Your mother lives in Belgium, you were born there too, and you lived and played football in England as a kid, you know all about that tougher football mentality.
“Every environment is different but I kind of know what to expect as it`s not my first time abroad. I`m glad I`m going to experience something different. As much as I`m sad to leave, I think this is one nice step forward in my career”.
Did you speak with any of your previous Partizan or Cukaricki coaches about your move?
“I changed my phone so I have only boss Duljaj`s number. I hope I`ll get all the other numbers soon so I can thank them all. They all influenced this as well as my beautiful Partizan story”.
What would you say to this Partizan team and team`s newcomers?
“Most importantly, they need to realize they are the greatest support to each other. Me or Ilic departing now, we wouldn`t be able to achieve it without them all. Football is a team sport and they need to be together every day, to hold no grudge against each other, to be as one. I just want them to keep doing what they were doing so far and I know they will do”.
