🎙 A really good thing: Mladen Petrić in exclusive interview

In Hamburg, where he was on the hunt for goals for HSV between 2008 and 2012, Mladen Petrić will strengthen FC OneFootball. Before today's matchday, the former Bundesliga professional expresses his admiration for the level in the Icon League in an exclusive interview, talks about his role in the team, and announces a legendary celebration.

How did you become part of FC OneFootball?

Petrić: It happened through a good friend, and the interesting thing about it is that I've had the OneFootball app on my phone and have been using it for years, even before I was contacted. So it fit perfectly!

What are your goals with FC OneFootball?

Petrić: Of course, to win the game on Monday, that's clear. I was at the final last year and initially, I was just watching a bit. But then it caught me, and I was cheering along! Now that I can be part of it, I definitely want to contribute to us winning the game.

What role do you play in the team?

Petrić: It's hard to say. I've never participated in such an event. Of course, I've played indoor football before, but in the Icon League, there are players who have participated many times and are constantly training. So, I'll first try to get a feel for it and then try to contribute to hopefully winning the game.

How regularly do you still play football?

Petrić: Well, regularly is not the word (laughs). I still play occasionally with the BVB legends, but otherwise, I hardly get to play football anymore.

How fit are you at the moment?

Petrić: There's still a lot of room for improvement. When I do something sporty, it's more like playing a bit of paddle and jogging occasionally. But the fitness level could certainly be better at the moment.

How do you need to adapt your game for small-sided football?

Petrić: The small field should hopefully suit me because even as a professional, I wasn't the one who liked to make long runs. Short distances, hopefully with opportunities to finish quickly: that should actually be my game.

What do you think of the new leagues and specifically the trend of the Icon League?

Petrić: Good, to be honest! Initially, when the first leagues came out, I thought: 'What is this now, and is it necessary? Will it really work?' Then I started following one or the other more closely and found it interesting. Especially with the special rules that keep coming up. It has really established itself. It's going really well and is a lot of fun to watch. I was very surprised by the high level at the final in Berlin. I knew the level was good, but when I saw it live, I realized: It's really intense, and the pace is relatively high. I think it's a really good thing.

How do you assess the level of the opponents and your teammates? 

Petrić: It's hard for me to judge the opponents because I haven't seen them yet. But I saw my teammates at the final last year, and there are definitely some who are really impressive. I'm really looking forward to playing with the guys and I'm curious.

How much do you still follow HSV and what connections do you have to the city?

Petrić: I still follow HSV quite intensively. The city, of course, is where I spent an important part of my life for four years. My family also felt very comfortable there. It's a beautiful city, I always enjoy being in Hamburg, and I'm looking forward to coming back this time as well.

Will we see your legendary arrow and bow celebration?

Petrić: I hope so because I usually only shoot the arrows when I score a goal. So, a goal has to come first, and then you'll definitely see the arrow fly!

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 Martin Rose - 2011 Getty Images