Introducing Denis Stojkovic

Few weeks ago, Partizan signed another young and talented player who spent his youth days at Juventus, Torino and Chelsea, played for LASK Linz and Olimpija Ljubljana – all that before turning 18. Youngster with dual Italian and Serbian citizenship trained with Partizan for the past six months and signed professional contract with the club straight upon his 18^th birthday. We spoke to attacking midfielder Denis Stojkovic who already made couple of sub`s appearances for Partizan , even assisting to team`s opener last weekend away to Radnik Surdulica:

-On one hand, time has gone by so fast since my arrival to Partizan six months ago. Actually, it was good I wasn`t able to sign and play before my 18<sup>th</sup> as I was able to work with the team and learn from my new teammates over this period. On the other hand, it was hard watching team play from the dugout and I couldn`t wait for 4^th of August to come, for me to officially sign the contract. These six months were incredible for me, I learned a lot from seasoned Partizan players, says Stojkovic.

How would you describe yourself?

-I`m attacker and I find myself at home in any attacking role. However, I`m ready do give my best at any team position, if boss decides so.

Takuma Asano thanked you for your assist in a 2-0 away win against Radnik last weekend.

-Asa is a great lad. Don`t know if you noticed, but he sends his gratitude whenever he goes in or out of the game with a certain body gesture. I myself would like to thank Djordje Ivanovic who laid the ball for me before I crossed it for Asano. Looking back, I don`t know how we manage to play in such waterlogged conditions.

When you first arrived here, Your Serbian was not so good?

-It`s better now. I advanced a lot although I was never bad, it`s just that I was scared to say something wrong. Fear is gone now (laughs).

You played with new Partizan centre-back Macky Bagnack while in Olimpija?

-Macky has a lot of quality and he is the type of player I would always love to see in a team I play in.

There are two Stojkovic`s in Partizan, yourself and our team captain?

-All the lads really took me on in a great fashion. Vlada Stojkovic is one and only, Serbian football legend!

What do you aspire to?

-To learn something new and to justify the trust of coach and teammates.