Neftchi defender Mert Celik gave an interview to the club's official website. The biggest dream of the 20-year-old footballer, who wants to discover the historical places of Baku and see our liberated lands, is to wear the uniform of the Azerbaijani national team:

- Mert, you have been playing for Neftchi for 4 months. How do you feel in the most established club in Azerbaijan?

- It seems that I have been wearing Neftchi's uniform for 4 years, not 4 months. I have felt the greatness of the club since the day I arrived. It is a great honor to fight this form, to be a member of this family.

- Were you able to fully adapt to the team and the city?

- The warm attitude of the club president, coaches and other employees of the club towards me made it very easy for me to adapt. I feel at home. I wish to discover the historical sites of this beautiful city, which I could not visit due to the pandemic, as soon as possible. In particular, I want to see Karabakh liberated from occupation.

- Due to the pandemic, the games are held without fans. Therefore, you have not seen Neftchi fans yet. Do they write to you and keep in touch with you?

- My biggest regret is not playing in front of this huge army of fans. When Neftchi became interested in me, I started watching videos of fans. This excited me a lot. Our fans support me a lot through social networks. I am very grateful to them for that.

- During this period, you have made a convincing impression in 6 championship games. Aren't you afraid to compete with more experienced defenders?

- I try hard to play better every match and be useful to my team. Experienced players always support me.

- The training camp is underway. How is the gathering going?

- Preparations are going well, we are training very well. I am looking forward to the start of the championship.

- In preparation, you played two test matches and in both of them you were in the starting lineup. Are you satisfied with your game, your current form?

- I always want to play better. My goals are big. That's why I work hard.

- An official match with Sabail is coming. What do you expect from that game?

- A big team like Neftchi goes to every match to win, regardless of the identity of the opponent. All members of the team want to win every game and become champions.

- You are a member of the U-21 national team of Azerbaijan. In addition, in November last year, you were invited to the camp of the main national team for the first time. Even if you don't appear, being invited means attracting the attention of the national coaching staff. Do you think you will be called up to the national team again?

- My biggest dream is to play in the main national team. I want to represent the people of Azerbaijan at the highest level. I hope to be invited to the main national team again and to successfully sweat this sacred uniform for many years.