Aleksa Ćetković for "Vijesti": I enjoyed working with Dragićević, it's time to go abroad

Arsenal had a turbulent season, both on and off the field. Despite all the problems, the team from Tivat managed to avoid the relegation play-off in the Meridianbet 1. CFL.

One of the most deserving was Aleksa Ćetković. He was a link in the midfield of Radislav Dragićević's team.

In an interview with "Vijesti", the young midfielder emphasized that the season was challenging.

"The season was challenging and unpredictable. The Montenegrin public is aware of the situation at Arsenal FC, which was reflected in the outcome of certain matches. Despite that, I think we did a good job, especially in the spring part of the season because we put football ahead of all difficulties. This year has produced a quality group of players in which a real team spirit was felt," Ćetković began.

The 22-year-old from Podgorica regrets the defeat against Jezera in Tivat in the 23rd round of the domestic championship. He believes that his team was unfairly disadvantaged in some matches.

"There are always games that didn't end the way we deserved. I think the game against Jezera in the second half of the season should have ended differently because I think we deserved a win, not a defeat, based on what we showed on the field. I think we were unfairly deprived in some games, but that's football, everything happens quickly, in the moment, but we have to come to terms with that and move on."

He has gained a lot of trust this season, playing a total of 36 games in the league and Cup.

"I spent 3.107 minutes on the pitch this season in an Arsenal jersey during 35 games. As a young player, every second is important to me in terms of gaining experience and progress. I think I satisfied some of my appetites, and the numbers speak in favor of that. I also saw some shortcomings that I later paid attention to because the game does not end when the referee blows the final whistle. It is important to me that there were no injuries during the year thanks to the fact that I take care of my professional lifestyle in all segments," Ćetković emphasized.

He scored three goals in the season behind us - each against Petrovac.

"Judging by the goals, it seems like they're in my favor. Petrovac is a team I respect, one that has great quality, which they showed by entering the European qualifiers, but it's just the way it is."

It's not easy in Montenegrin football today to play 100 or more games for one club. Aleksa managed to do it with Arsenal, and he celebrated his anniversary with a goal.

"On that very anniversary of the 100th match, against Petrovac, I scored a goal and made an assist, which made that match even more symbolic. I consider Arsenal part of my family, they have given me maximum support and recognized my efforts over the years. Of course, I appreciate the trust of the people at the club, I am grateful to them for that and I hope that I have lived up to expectations and helped achieve my goals."

He also enjoyed working with coach Dragićević, who led the team in a specific way.

"I would especially highlight coach Raj Dragićević's attitude towards the players and the way he led the team. With great discipline and a certain dose of humor, he made us function as a team. I liked that atmosphere."

Having played for Arsenal for almost four full seasons, it seems like it's time for a move. Ćetković's desire is to go abroad for the first time in his career.

"I played almost four seasons in Tivat and my last contract with the club expired. I have a tendency to go abroad if the conditions are right, I am ready for changes. The transfer window has just started and we will see what happens," concluded Aleksa Ćetković in an interview with "Vijesti".

Otherwise, Ćetković has passed all the junior selections of the Montenegrin national team, and was also the captain. He played 10 games for the youth team and scored one goal. However, since September 2025, he has not received a call-up for the match against Italy in the EURO qualifiers.