What club did you play at?

When I was young I played for Vrelo, a small club in Serbia. I started at the age of five years old. My father was my first coach from five to nine then after that I moved.

Was it strange for your father to also be your coach?

He was the coach but when you are five you are just left to play and kick the ball. He had fun with us. He was never happy with my game, though. In fact, even now he’s not! Maybe once he said I was okay.

What positions did you play?

I played midfield. I was the number 10 - the maestro. My brother plays there now and he learned off me then – and he still does now!

How did you get to training?

I was born in a small village in Serbia and I walked to the pitch, probably about 500 metres from my home.

What was your favourite music during your academy years?

I loved Zdravko Colic then and I still do now. He is a legend in Serbia. My favourite song is Mjerkam te, mjerkam. It's a romantic song.