Dodi Lukebakio debuted and kissed the saint. For a supporter like him, there is no better statement. His goal against Las Palmas gave Sevilla their first points of the season. I needed her. One goal and several actions in which it was already clear what contribution he would make. The Belgian is coming to a new country with the other outstanding players. He knows the demand is high and thanks to YouTube He has repeatedly seen the Andalusians eat the greats of Europe alive before producing the Seventh. He wants to be part of this story, especially now that the Champions League is starting.
Questions. What feelings did you have when you made your debut at Sánchez-Pizjuán? Was it the atmosphere you were expecting?
Answer. As I said, I have played at the Sevilla stadium before, but not with Sevilla. And yes, I have great memories of the fans. Being part of the club now is incredible, you feel special. The fans are on fire Really. I’m already waiting for the next game. They give me the courage to play, to score. So yes, I can say it was as I expected.
Q. What does it mean to celebrate your debut day? Will it help you adapt?
A. It means a lot to me. I never expected a start like this, being able to help the team is very important, especially with the goal. I need to play more games and the adjustment is automatic. I can’t give an answer as this will be seen in the next games.
Q. The Champions League is just around the corner. Arsenal, PSV and Lens. A priori, Sevilla had no luck with the draw.
R. Rivals are difficult for every team. We are a great club, we know what we have to do to be successful. There are players with a lot of experience for this type of games, this competition. We’ll give it our all and see what happens in the end. There are favorites, but it never depends on how you think, that’s the beauty of football. Anything can always happen. For me it’s great to play the first game at home, it’s really good for the confidence.
Question: A few years ago you played with Wolfsburg in both games of the Champions League group stage against Sevilla and played the last quarter of an hour in Nervión. How do you remember it?
R. Incredible. As I said, I’ve played in some stadiums that were really good, but this one wasn’t special, to be honest, because I’m playing here now. And that’s what I have in mind, playing for this team and being surprised even more.
Q. You said “no” to the Premier to move to Sevilla. Because?
R. Because they showed interest. So when a club like Sevilla shows interest, you obviously have to listen. So we talk a lot. You don’t have to think so much because it’s a top club and that’s what I want to play, to show myself and improve as a young player. It wasn’t difficult to choose Sevilla. When we talked, I watched a lot of videos on YouTube, for example when they won the last Europa League, and I also saw that the situation was not easy last year, especially in the first half of the season. There was also interest in January and I followed Sevilla. Not everything, but I know a lot about Seville. I watch a lot of football.
Q. You went through England despite only playing fifteen minutes at Watford. What happened?
R. You know, you can’t always explain everything. I arrived young, a new coach, in a difficult situation for the club. The coach back then simply wanted to select players with more experience, but in the end I learned a lot. It gave me more motivation, it made me mentally stronger, so it’s part of my career, my journey. Now I’m a different player, I’m a different person.
Q. What do you think about sharing a dressing room with players like Sergio Ramos and Jesús Navas?
R. To be honest, the entire team surprised me. They welcomed me very well and I am very happy. It’s incredible to meet players like her. For me this is a big advantage because they have a lot of experience. They are great players, legends like Navas or Ramos, so I try to enjoy every moment and learn everything I can. I’m excited. I just want to play in front of the fans, show what I can do, give what I have and win games. I am really happy.
Q: You have played in four countries, five including Spain, because you started very young. Do you think you arrived in Seville at the perfect time?
R. Only God knows. I think I took the right step. I’m here to learn, play, win and do my best. We’ll see, nobody knows what will happen. I know I’m with really good players at a top club, so it will also depend on our performances.
Q. Your stats include Neuer scoring his first hat-trick in the Bundesliga as a Bayern goalkeeper. Was it Lukebakio’s best game?
R. I do not believe it. Statistically speaking, yes, but I don’t think it was my best performance. It was a crazy game because it’s not easy to score goals against such opponents, but in the end I always try to achieve as much as possible in every game.
Q: Out of curiosity, the Arab League played a special role in the last transfer market. What do you think?
R. They came into the market and bought a lot of players. What I believe is that it is a country that now wants to reach a high level, that is why it has signed so many players. I want to see what comes of it. It’s a new league that really wants to improve.
Q. Let’s go back to Seville. Tell me what it’s like to work with Mendilibar.
R. Really good. I can’t say much as I haven’t been here long, but I have to say that I have a very good impression. He knows what he wants. He is clear about his plan, he wants me on the left, he has told me what he wants in the game. I can’t talk to Mendilibar much yet, but I know what he wants from me. So everything is clear.
Q. You recently said that your only idol is Jesus Christ. How important is religion in your career and personal life?
R. It’s the most important thing. Without Jesus Christ I would not be here and would not be as happy as I am today. I’ve done this my whole life because that’s what he gave me, and I’m grateful for that. He gives me strength, he gave me this talent. Without Jesus Christ there is no Dodi.
Q. Let’s hope you have this strength in your first year as a Sevilla player.
R. I want to adapt to the team as quickly as possible, be an important player and have a good season in the league, cup and Champions League, that’s what Sevilla deserve. I want the fans to see everything I can do on the field.
