It's usually a long way from the north of Montenegro and a childhood love of football to the north of France and one of the strongest leagues in the world. Not for Andrija Bulatović.
Everything in the life of the Montenegrin football star happened quickly, he took steps of several miles and in just three years, from the Kom jersey, through Rudar and Buducnost, he arrived in front of the gates of the "Bolear" stadium in Lens.
In France, the country of world champions and current Champions League winners, he used every minute, and Montenegro believes it has acquired a top midfielder for the next decade and more. Expectations from one of the youngest "falcons" are huge, but it is obvious that from his first football steps he knows how to deal with them.
- Honestly, it's not difficult for me to deal with the pressure because every athlete has to deal with it and somehow it gives me additional motivation, precisely to show that those expectations are for a reason - Bulatović said for the New Year's edition of "Vijesti".
The most important thing was just to be on the field.
- I was lucky to play from the beginning and therefore everything was much easier. Also in the national team, from when I started playing regularly until I reached the A national team, it went very quickly and I hope I can continue at that pace - added the 19-year-old from Kolašin.
I've been dreaming of games at this level, the CFL has quality
Bulatović will remember the year that marked his final days for a long time - from the Montenegrin fields he reached the big arenas. Was there any doubt or fear that the move to Lens and such a strong league might have come too soon?
- I didn't have a single moment of doubt because that step forward was at the right time for me and my development. I knew I was coming to one of the strongest leagues in the world, but I was ready and I couldn't wait for the moment to come when I could play at such a high level as this.
The French Ligue 1 and the Montenegrin championship are like heaven and earth, so many things in Bulatović's life are different now.
- The change is big, starting from the infrastructure of the fields where we play and train to the intensity of the players here themselves - says Andrija.
All of this does not mean that he does not respect the championship from which he arrived in France.
- Our league has quality and by playing for two seasons I have gained enough experience to come here and certainly fit in faster.
Alongside the mighty Paris Saint-Germain, who won Europe last season, and all those who love beautiful football, Andriy's Lens is at the top of the "New Year's tree" as the leader of Ligue 1. Can a club that has only been champion once in its history, almost three decades ago, with To Ante Drobnjak, to endure the race to the end with the masters that are in the team Luis Enrique?
- Everyone at the club and the fans believe that we can keep the rhythm we have. We all know the quality of PSG and it will be difficult to stay first, but I think we can and that's why football is the most beautiful thing in the world - Bulatović explained beautifully.
It's like I've been among the "hawks" for 10 years.
Bulatović also pointed out how opportunities are used in football in the right way during his debut for Montenegro - it was in June in Nikšić when he scored a goal against Armenia on his debut for the national team.
He is now a regular in our national team, and he has revealed what it's like when a young player appears in the national team.
- I'm one of the younger players in the national team and it wasn't easy when I first came to the reunion and met my idols. All the players accepted me as if I had been there for 10 years and I'm really grateful to them for that. They all showed what kind of personalities they are.
Several generations have passed since the restoration of independence, but none have yet taken Montenegro to a major competition. Could the dream become reality in the coming years?
- I think that Montenegro can and must have the quality to go to a major competition in the coming years. We all firmly believe in it and we showed in the match against Croatia that we can. Only together with the support from the stands can we fulfill our long-awaited dream.
He opened the doors to the "league five" as a teenager, where does Andrija Bulatović see himself in 10 years?
- It's too early to talk about it, but I would certainly like to continue to be part of one of the Top 5 leagues in the world. And... To be in one of the best teams in Europe - concluded Bulatović.
Adžić? Both quality and professionalism, he will fight for playing time
Montenegro waited a long time for new great talents to emerge, and then two boys shone in the Budućnost jersey. One is Bulatović, and the other Vasilije AdžićWhile Lance was a real hit for Andrija, his teammate from the national team is still waiting for more playing time at Juventus.
- I really chose the right club for me and for my development and I'm really happy, so far, with how things are going. Of course I hope that my very good friend Vasilije will fight for more playing time because I know what quality he has and what a professional he is in every sense - Bulatović is clear.
My idol was Messi, today I watch everyone in my position.
Bulatović talks about his idols and those he looks up to in the position he plays.
- When I was little, my idol was Lionel Messi, and now I honestly don't have any. I generally watch all the players in my position and learn from their moves and matches.
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