20 months in China – then it got to be good. On August 3, Nikola Djurdjic announced that his time in the country was over, and that he had broken his contract with Chengdu Roncheng. During the period there, the striker also had time for a loan spell at Zhejiang FC. How did it go in the meantime in China? In 22 matches, the Serb accounted for two goals and three assists. How does he sum it all up?
– It was a great adventure. It was not just like a short visit for a week or two as a tourist but getting there and living with their culture and experiencing their lifestyle, and playing football there was a big shock. I enjoyed it, but there is not much to say about the football part. It was something completely different compared to European football – so it has been a bit difficult. Especially with the restrictions during the pandemic. The matches were played in a bubble all the time and we were locked in for long periods. But I have had to visit some really nice cities and it was a great experience, says Djurdjic to Fotbollskanalen.
Why did you choose to leave China?
– It was a bit too much this year with time locked in a hotel. First we trained then we were at the hotel. Also, I played six this year – and it was frustrating. I just want to find happiness and joy in playing football.
Why did the choice fall on Degerfors?
– They were very concrete. Despite my age, they gave me a 2.5 year contract. This means that they believe in me that I can play at a high level in the coming years, which I also believe. That was a big reason why.
How is your image of the club?
– I did not know much about Degerfors before because I have never met them. They were in the Superettan when I was in Sweden. But it is a smaller club than I previously represented here. They are doing well this year and trying to become a stable team in the Allsvenskan and I think it feels very interesting with a lot of potential. So I’m here to help on and off the pitch.
How have the first days been with the team?
– Fun, it’s a little special team… They have some traditions that were fun to see, and meeting the new guys has been fun.
But the debut will have to wait. Coach Andreas Holmberg tells Nerikes Allehanda that it may take a few weeks before the striker is in match form.
– This weekend he would not have been able to play in any case, but he will probably not be ready for games next weekend either. He has not played a match in two months and needs to sneak it up so that he does not suffer any injuries. After the Mjällby match, we also have a national team break, so we have time. Then we will see if he can be in any way against Mjällby.
Djurdjic has previously represented Helsingborgs IF, Malmö FF and Hammarby IF in the Allsvenskan. Above all, he is remembered for his time in Bajen – where in 2018-2019 he scored 27 goals and 20 assists. The Serb confirms that discussions took place with Bajen regarding a return.
– We talked … But a lot has happened backwards and I felt that there were some people who did not want me there. Then I said I understood. It was a bit back and forth but in the end the situation was not so good because what happened. There was a bit of a problem in the club before… I take up a lot of space wherever I am and not everyone likes it. But I do not want to play where there are people who are not happy to see me, I do not want to. I do not want any stress now after China and I do not want to create problems for anyone. In the end, it was not meant to be.
How is your relationship with Hammarby today?
– I can not say that it is bad blood, but I have understood that there are some people who are not happy with me. I respect that and accept it. I can not change how someone looks at it – but I felt that some did not want me there – so it did not feel right.
Jesper Jansson, sports director in Hammarby, gives his view on the whole thing:
– It is clear that not everyone was happy with when he left here. But between me and Rikard (von Yxkull, CEO) in the management, there are absolutely no hard feelings against him. But we were not prepared to enter into a longer agreement with Niko considering his age and a bit like that when he plays in that position, he says to Fotbollskanalen.
So there was no Bajen return. Instead, the focus is entirely on Degerfors – where he hopes to step up after a tough period in China.
– I just want to get back on the field, score some goals and then we’ll see what happens. I want to play football for as long as possible. I feel good in my body and have not been injured for a long time. I have not missed a match due to injury in several years, so I just need to be smart and come back slowly but surely. Then we’ll see what happens. I’m excited to play football and still have a lot to give.
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