Just a day before heading off to play Sporting Braga, PSG forward Mateja Kezman discussed his return to the Parc des Princes last week and also the solidarity that exists in the Parisian squad ahead of this crucial match. Interview…

Mateja, how are you?
“Not too bad. I haven’t had a chance to speak since my return and there are two points I’d like to make. First of all, there are certain people who are trying to judge me as a footballer. Now I think that’s a bit rich because I haven’t yet shown my true value here. It’s true that I’ve got a certain personality, but I’m still convinced I can be of great value to this squad. Secondly, I’ve been very surprised by certain journalists’ attempts to compare the salaries of players without accepting that some players have more experience than others. I, for example, have played in a World Cup finals, I’ve played 49 times for my country, I’ve played a Champions League semi-final, I’ve won the league in four different countries… I don’t know what some people are trying to get at.”

How did you feel when you returned to the Parc des Princes against Braga, last week?
“People told me it was going to be tough, but it wasn’t as bad as all that. I made a mistake in the heat of the moment, it’s true. I shouldn’t have done what I did and I apologized. I felt the supporters understood and I’m going to do everything I can to prove to them that I’m a warrior and that I love the club colours. I always give 100 per cent when I play and I hope my future lies here in Paris.”


How are you approaching the return leg against Sporting Braga?
“When I was in Serbia, I worked very hard with a personal trainer. I’ve trained hard since I returned and I’m ready to play. I’m just waiting for the chance. I really love playing football and I miss it. I need the adrenaline rush. It wont be easy to bounce back from the loss to Marseille, but we already showed we can after Bordeaux. Against Braga, a win or even a 1-1 or 2-2 draw will be enough for us to qualify and that would be fantastic for the club.”

What’s the atmosphere like in the changing-rooms?
“I’m really proud of the players. I’ve played in a lot of teams and I haven’t always seen such a great atmosphere. We’ve got a fantastic squad and that’s why we’re battling at the top of the standings. It’s not just because of our individual quality as footballers, but because it’s a strong and united squad. I’d actually like to thanks the players for their support in recent months. I’m really happy to be a part of this squad, to work with these players.”

Bet on Braga v PSG