Kalajdzic | ‘I can’t even express how thankful I am’

Sasa Kalajdzic is grateful to Wolves for providing a platform for him to showcase himself in the Premier League and is itching to start representing the people of the city in old gold.

The striker has become the club’s new signing, joining from Stuttgart after two successful full seasons in the Bundesliga, and now feels this is the ideal opportunity to develop his career at Molineux. The Austrian international met Bruno Lage and his new teammates at Compton Park after signing for the club, and believes he can offer something different to the team’s attack, alongside fellow striker Raul Jimenez.

On joining the pack

“I’m happy it’s all been finished today. It was a long, tough day, but in the end everything went well. I’m really thankful and really happy to be here. It was the club that wanted me the most in the end. In my career, at my age, it’s important to feel where the next step is and, in the end, I had the feeling Wolverhampton is the best step for my development.

“I had good talks with the coaches, and I met some players from the team. Everyone was so kind and so nice. I know that I won’t regret my decision because the people were all so kind, they welcomed me and I’m looking forward to playing as soon as possible.”

On scoring goals in Germany

“It’s strange because I had some injuries which stopped me scoring more goals, but I think I developed as a player and as a person. I grew very much, I can’t even express how thankful I am to this club and the city, to the people and fans, that I have the trust and chance to show myself.

“I got the chance to show myself in the Bundesliga. I tried to give everything for the club, very emotional at the end, and I hope I can prove that here as well. I can show the club and people who put trust in me that I can pay it back by scoring goals and helping with my qualities.”

On what he’ll bring to the team

“I’m two metres tall, but also not bad with my feet. I’m just hungry to score goals. I want to play good football and score many goals. I want to play attractive football. I’m a team player, I want to help the team, that’s the most important thing in the end. When the team is looking good, I’m looking good as well. This is my aim for the upcoming matches.”

On experiencing England more

“I played in Middlesbrough against England in a friendly and Wembley against Italy and scored there. It was an amazing atmosphere and an amazing experience. I hope I will get to know as many stadiums as I can and obviously score there as well.

“Everyone tells me the Premier League is the toughest league, it’s the NBA of football. I’m just excited to prove myself against the best because in this league the best players are playing. I want to develop as a player, as a person, and want to get as soon as possible to score, to show myself, and I’m really happy about it and looking forward to it.”

On complementing Jimenez

“From what I’ve seen, Raul is a different kind of player to me. I think he has qualities that I don’t have, maybe I have qualities he doesn’t have, so I think we can complement each other and make an amazing duo, even with the other players, so I’m looking forward to playing with them.”

On speaking with Bruno

“We didn’t have that much time to talk because they were preparing for the game against Bournemouth and I had many appointments, like medical checks, but in the end, we had a nice talk. He gave a warm welcome to me and my family, and he hopes I can bring luck to the team, and I hope so too.”

On playing at Molineux

“I’m very excited. There is a little bit of nerves, but in a positive way, and I can’t wait to play in front of the fans, to see how it is. It is the best league in the world. The Bundesliga has amazing fans, but I think it’s different, and I want to experience it. I was in England in a few stadiums as a fan, and it was really cool, and I want to experience it as a player. You can measure yourself with the best so I’m really looking forward to it.”