Djordje Mihailovic comes to the Montreal Impact with great apprehension. Excellent with the Chicago Fire, but not appreciated at its fair value, the American was very happy to receive the call from Thierry Henry.
At 22, the midfielder already has an admirable background and he will fill several gaps in the formation of the Montreal eleven. On video conference on Monday, Mihailovic said he was happy to get his chance with a club that really wants to work with him.
“For the past four years in Chicago, I felt like I was the little brother,” he told media representatives. I scored a few goals, added assists here and there, and was called up to the national team. I have the impression that I was always seen as this young player trained at the club, without great expectations and who will manage to produce. “
“I was replaceable … But here in Montreal, I feel this desire, I feel this commitment and this pressure on my shoulders, and that’s how I will be able to improve as a player,” he said. -he adds.
Again the Henry effect
Part of this mutual desire between the young player and the Quebec metropolis comes from coach Thierry Henry. The former world-class forward is an attractive boss for Mihailovic, who believes a partnership with the Frenchman brings him closer to the trophies.
“I took a long time to make my decision, but when I heard Thierry’s personal words, it really solidified my choice to play in Montreal.”
Mihailovic describes himself as a versatile player, but who likes to use his creativity on offense. He has also played 73 career games with the Fire, including 45 regular season starts, totaling seven goals and 15 assists.
“I don’t think I’ll have a pass in the middle,” he said. This team has quality players and they are improving. I know she added a lot of young guys who will be hungry and want to prove their worth. I will have to do the same. ”
In the past, Mihailovic has expressed interest in a career in Europe, like many young players. If an adventure on the Old Continent is still in the plans, he ensures that all his concentration is directed towards Montreal.
“This is where you see the best players, this is where there is the most money. At the moment, it is not the best choice for me. Coming to Montreal might just be a stepping stone, but my attention is on the team, not on what I’ll do next. ”
The end of a fairy tale for Djordje Mihailovic
Spending four seasons with the Chicago Fire first team, Djordje Mihailovic fulfilled many dreams. He reluctantly left the club in his native state, but knowing that he would be very well surrounded with the Montreal Impact.
In an interview on Monday, the midfielder hinted that he may not be well appreciated in Illinois. It’s never easy to leave an environment in which he was comfortable, but Mihailovic believes it is good for the rest of his career.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling, I grew up watching Chicago play. Since I was very young, I wanted to play with the first team, he said. I worked my way up and that was my goal at the time. Now I think I’m ready for a new challenge, a little change. ”
In 2020, Mihailovic was used profusely, playing in all 20 Fire games. He felt, however, that his turn could jump quickly and that he was far from the trophies, a sign that does not lie to him.
“All players are coming at a time when a change is needed,” said the 22-year-old. I believe that last season I reached a point of no return. I was with my family and I knew something had to be done to achieve my goals. It’s sad to leave a club that you love, that you watched and that you ended up playing for. It’s a sad moment, but it happens in sport. ”
Recreate the magic
Last season, the American arguably played the best soccer of his young career. Along with the Slovenian Robert Beric, the duo was one of the most dangerous in all of Major League Soccer. Will he be able to recreate such a powerful duo with the Impact?
“I can’t wait to play with [Romell] Quioto. I’ve watched him all season, he’s been phenomenal for you. Of course, I developed a great chemistry with Robert, especially at the end of the season. It’s hard, because I don’t know how he can score without me, ”he said with a smirk.
Beric could indeed be bored, he who scored more than a third of Fire’s goals in 2020 thanks to Mihailovic’s accurate rebates.
