Demy de Zeeuw: Russian league is stronger than the Dutch one

Spartak’s new acquisition, Demy de Zeeuw has spoken about his first impressions of the new club.

«In the spring you played against Spartak with Ajax in Europa League. What memories did you keep from those games?»

«I remembered Spartak as a very strong team who had beaten us twice. This fact also influenced my decision to move to the most popular Russian club. I remember the big Luzhniki stadium and the excellent support by Spartak’s fans. I’m sure this transfer is a step forward in my career.»

«Except Spartak, did you play against any Russian clubs?»

«I’ve played against a team from Samara and Zenit. I can tell that the Russian league is stronger than the Dutch one: there are more high-level teams and players here. I’m sure that at Spartak I can grow and reach a new level.»

«You have already got acquainted with Moscow. What are your first impressions from what you have seen?»

«It’s not my first time in Moscow. Before the Spartak match I was here with the Netherlands national team three years ago. I haven’t went sightseeing much – only Red Square and its vicinities. It’s a very beautiful city, one of the world’s largest ones. Your capital develops quickly and I see my future with optimism. I’m glad that I will live here and play for Spartake. I haven’t yet visited Tarasovka [Spartak’s training ground – Sports.ru]. Now we go have a training camp in Austria, and I will get a closer look on the city and the club’s training base when I return.

«What are your impressions from Spartak’s general director and head coach Valery Karpin?

«He was a very strong player and became a good coach. Those two matches against Ajax have shown to me that Karpin has shaped up an excellent team. He also made a very nice impression as a person. I can’t wait to start training and playing.»

«What shirt number would like to take?»

«I do not know yet. In Austria we will look and see what numbers are free.»

«What are the goals you put for yourself in Spartak?»

«Spartak are a young and ambitious team full of talent. I may well become one of the most experienced players here. I hope, my experience of the Champions League, Europa League, and the Netherlands national team performances will come in useful. Naturally, I want to win titles, become champion with Spartak, to play in the Champions League, and to progress as a player. This club has every possibility for me to succeed in that,» stated the 28-year-old Dutch halfback in an interview to Spartak’s official site.