Verstrate: “I know how important the derby with PAOK is”

Bigger Verstraat knows very well the importance of Sunday’s big derby with PAOK, as he pointed out in his statements to Nova. The new player of Aris mentioned that many people have spoken to him about this game and stated that it is important for him that it will be his first match in his new team.

Here are Verstraat’s statements to Nova…

His message for his former teammates and current rivals, Ali Samata and William Ekong.

“We are friends, but I want to beat you. I asked Samatas before I came, how is the city, Thessaloniki. We didn’t talk about the game between us. I understand that this derby is important for him as it is for me. Two years ago we wanted to win together, but now we are rivals. I also know William Trost Ekong. We fought together in Ghent. Nice to see them both again. Each of us, however, wants victory from his side. Inside the stadium, especially in derbies, you have no friends! After the game, if we win, I might text them! We will see that…”.

His first impressions of his new team.



“I am happy to belong to Mars. Of course, I’ve only been in training for two or three days, but I’m happy to be part of this team now. What I’m waiting for, what I’m thinking about, is next Sunday’s game. I know it’s a special game and it’s important for me that my first game with Aris is against PAOK.”

What does he know about derby?



“I’ve been here for a few days and everyone is talking about this derby. Everyone tells me how important this game is. The derbies always have a special meaning, so I’m looking forward to that too. I understand the passion that exists at the club for this derby. We will give everything to win and please our people.”

For his goals on Mars:



“I don’t like to talk about personal goals. Team goals matter. The team has so far taken three points in three matches. I think we need wins in a row. I have a good feeling we’ll make it. Everyone wants it, us, the coach, the president, the fans. I believe we will succeed and we will all be happy. What I want is to play and help the team.”