

Posted by

Steve Bottjer ,

May 22, 2014 Email

Steve Bottjer

On Twitter:

@BottjerRNO

It’s been an interesting last several years for goalkeeper Milan Borjan.



After making a splash with his decision to join the Canadian Men’s National Team back in 2011, the 26 year old shot stopper made a move to the Turkish Süper Lig side Sivasspor that same year and kicked off something of a professional rollercoaster ride for himself.



Initially asserting himself as the number one keeper with a run of excellent performances for Sivasspor, he eventually lost his starting spot and was ultimately loaned to Romanian first division side Vaslui, where he quickly won the starting position, delivered a run of top class performances and helped Vaslui secure second place in the league while guaranteeing them a spot in the UEFA Champions League.



Following his stellar play in Romania, Borjan was recalled by Sivasspor for the the 2012/13 season and then later had his contract terminated in February 2014 due to a managerial change at the team.



After he left Sivasspor the 6 foot 5 goalkeeper came close to signing with Italian giants Napoli, but ultimately saw the move blocked by the Turkish Football Association, who prevented him from making the move during the winter transfer window.



According to Borjan, that particular time in his career was frustrating. However, with that episode behind him now, he is now looking forward with intent.



“It was tough when you hear about something like that,” Borjan told RedNation from the Canadian Men’s National Team training camp in Laa an der Thaya, Austria. “When you hear that a club like Napoli wants you, it is an honour. I finished my contract on February 3rd and we spoke with the Turkish Federation to ask if they could change it to the 31st because we made the agreement on the 31st. Then when we talked to them again they said there was no chance.”



“For me, it would have been really good and interesting for my career (to go to Napoli), but the Turkish Federation did not want to do it,” he added. “So you just have to move on and get on with your life. My time in Turkey had its ups and downs, but life goes on. I’m looking forward and not looking back. It was a good experience and I just have to keep going and see what will happen in the future.”



With the summer transfer window in Europe opening up soon, Borjan will now be able to join another club after spending several months unable to play due to the fiasco with the Turkish Football Association.



“There have been a lot of rumours in the past and there have been a lot of offers,” Borjan said. “I’m just waiting to see what is going to happen and where I am going to go. We will determine what is best for me and for my improvement (as a player).”



As he looks to sign his next professional contract, Borjan was quick to stress that one concern will override all others as he looks to select a place to continue his club career.



“The most important for me in choosing my next club is be somewhere I can play and improve,” Borjan explained. “I lost a year not playing and I need to get back with that goal and to get back to training and playing. That is the most important thing. The money and everything else will come later. Right now I have to get training and I have to get games.”



In the meantime, as he nears a return to club football in Europe, the Canadian International is presently back in a comfortable place as he trains and prepares for the national team’s upcoming matches against Bulgaria and Moldova.



“I love to come to these camps, especially because of the other guys on the team,” Borjan said. “We always have a good group of guys and it is always an honour to be called up. It means a lot to me.”



“There have been good training sessions already,” Borjan added. “Benito (Floro) has his own way of training which really helps the team to come together and prepare for the games. Things are going well.”