Young Montenegrin footballers have recently achieved a long-awaited success by qualifying for the elite round of the European Championship. They didn't do it luckily, or with a favorable draw, but with victories over renowned teams - Poland (2:0) and Austria (1:0).
Marko Perović, a 16-year-old from Budućnost, and his teammates under the leadership of coach Goran Perišić, and as part of the "pilot project" - FSCG Football School - broke through some barriers, just at the moment when it seemed that CG football was in free fall. ..
- It was difficult, we knew who we were playing against, but we believed in ourselves, in working together, in our quality. We didn't shy away from our rivals, we knew we had a chance if we gave 100 percent - says the young Perović.
They didn't lose faith even when they saw that Poland, the host and first rival, beat England even 5:0 in the prelude to the tournament.
- We didn't care - admits Perović. - But we watched the footage of that match and saw that they, like all national teams, have shortcomings. We also saw that we can play against them.
The key to success is togetherness, created during 10 months of preparation under a special program, which brought together the most talented players of 2006.
- We trained well, we had all the conditions even off the field, we were as dedicated as possible. At the same time, we became closer, we are not only teammates, but also friends. We know how to breathe, we know how much someone can do, and when they can't, we are here to help them. We have the talent, and the joint work and our relationship gave results.
The elite round awaits the cadet selection in March, the opponents will be known in December.
- Now we have also received "proof" that we are worth it and that we can. We are looking forward to what lies ahead and are motivated to fight with everyone. Perhaps we will achieve historic success and qualify for a major competition, as the first national team to do so. That's our dream.
Perović has long been recognized as an extraordinary potential, a boy with exceptional speed and technical qualities, who plays with both feet, scores goals both left and right from the position of a winger...
- My teammates tell me that I look like Phil Foden. I watch Manchester City games, to see how he does some things. I try to come out better from every training session and after every day. I think that in today's football and the demands it brings, it is very important for a player to use both legs equally, to be able to react in every situation and position he finds himself in. I practice it and work on it every day - says Perović.
The talent he has brought him close to the first team of Buducnosti at the age of 16. He is training with the seniors, he is still waiting for his debut, and it is only a question of the day when he will be welcomed.
- It is one of my goals and dreams, to make my debut for the first team of Buducnosti.
And what about the future - wishes are big, maybe boyish, but why shouldn't they be achievable.
- To play for Bayern, to win the Champions League. And of course, to continue playing for the national team of Montenegro, all the way to our best team.
And while building a football career, he doesn't want to neglect his education.
- I have many obligations, but also a great understanding of everyone at the Podgorica Electro-Technical School, led by the director Ersan Spahić. I have no words to thank them, I try to justify it, and I also believe that they are proud of me - concluded Perović.
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