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One of the best legionnaires in the history of "Ekranas," the Serbian Marko Andjelkovic, returns to Panevezys. The central defender of "Ekranas" will compete after a half-year break, having played for the club "Hapoel Ironi Nir Ramat HaSharon" in the Israeli premier league in the previous season.
M. Andjelkovic joined "Ekranas" in 2011 and played two successful seasons in the blue and red stripes. In 69 official matches, the defender scored 14 goals and made 18 assists.
In the 2011 best Lithuanian footballer award voting, Marko ranked fifth, and in 2012, he ranked tenth.
Marko Andjelkovic started his career in his hometown, Belgrade. From 2003 to 2007, he was part of the "Partizan" club but was loaned to other Serbian clubs during that time. In the 2007-2008 season, he played for AC "Bellinzona" in Switzerland, and a year later returned to Serbia and played for the top league clubs FK "Voždovac" and FK "Indjija."
Marko Andjelkovic spoke with fkekranas.lt upon his return to the blue and red stripes. The footballer says that when he received the offer, he did not think long. According to Marko, despite many changes in the "Ekranas" team, this is not only a familiar team to him but also close.
- Marko, how do you feel about returning to the "Ekranas" team?
- I spent two years in "Ekranas," so I am happy to come back to this team. I feel very good here.
- Did you expect to receive an offer from "Ekranas"?
- At the beginning of the player transfer window, I did not expect to receive an offer from "Ekranas" again. I had several offers from other clubs, but we did not reach any agreements with them. Finally, the last offer was from "Ekranas," and I accepted it. This is a team I enjoy playing for.
- What were the reasons for deciding not to continue playing in Israel?
- I spent six really good months in Israel, played in all matches. However, the team had problems with sponsors, financial difficulties, changes in the team. Coaches and players changed, so I decided to leave that team.
- Did you think for a long time before accepting the offer from "Ekranas"?
- No, because I knew the team I was going to. We discussed the details and conditions at the beginning and finally signed the contract.
- In your opinion, how has the team and its game changed since you last played here?
- First of all, I noticed that many players have changed. There are not many players left with whom I used to play. I did not follow the recent games, did not watch how they played. I only know the situation in the league table. I think these years have been unsuccessful. The team had many problems. The start of the season was tough. When you start poorly, it is not easy to catch up all the time. But I think we are currently close enough to "Žalgiris," so nothing is lost yet. We just need to think about future matches and prepare for them.
- What do you think about "Ekranas" results this season?
- I believe everything was decided by the start of the season, those failures. Well, there were some good moments after that, but you know, if you want to be first, you have to maintain the same level throughout the season. There cannot be downturns. "Ekranas" has many young players this season, maybe that's the reason why they cannot play every game at the same high level.
- Over the past six months, not only many players left the team but also coach Valdas Urbonas. Will it take time to adapt to the changes?
- I do not think adapting to the new coach will be difficult. When I went to Israel, I also joined a new team. The coaching staff was also new, but I adapted quickly, so I think there will be no problems adapting to the changes in "Ekranas."
- What are your ambitions and goals upon returning to "Ekranas"?
- First, we need to try to finish this season as well as possible. We should not think about which place we will take this year. First, second, or third. We need to focus all our attention on upcoming matches and think only about winning them. Time will show which place we will end up. Later, we will need to think about the next season, about the team's lineup so that we can fight for the first place again.
- You are already the third legionnaire from Serbia in the team. Do you know them personally?
- I know both of these players, Aleksandar Šušnjar and Dejan Djenič, are familiar to me. I have played against Dejan several times. He is a very good player. I think he can really help this team. I also know Aleksandar, but I have not played against him before.
- Is it more enjoyable to play when there are compatriots in the team?
- We are professionals and do not emphasize playing together with compatriots. For example, last year, I was the only Serbian, this year we are already three. I think it is more important for me and them to fit into the whole team, to blend in with it, with the game. That is the most important thing. Whether there are compatriots or not is not the most crucial thing. Of course, it is always pleasant to communicate with footballers from your country.
- Marko Vučetič also briefly played in the team, with whom you played together before and who was supposed to take over your role this year when you moved to Israel. Would it have been interesting to play together again?
- I have played with Marko Vučetič in one team. Of course, it would be interesting to play with him again. However, as I mentioned earlier, personally having compatriots in the team is not the main focus for me.
- How long do you plan to stay in the "Ekranas" team?
- Well, I think I will finish this season and play the next one. And then we will see.
