Alan Stulin, a 22-year-old from Bolesławiec, has become a player for GKS Bełchatów. When he was a few years old, he moved to Germany with his parents. That is where he began training and playing football. He played for Poland’s youth national team and several German clubs, most recently 1.FC Kaiserslautern. Last week, Alan signed a one-year contract with Polish Ekstraklasa side GKS Bełchatów. Alan can play in defence and midfield. We invite you to read a short interview Alan gave to the “Istotne Informacje” website and newspaper:
Marcin Zabawa: Readers of the “Istotne Informacje” website and newspaper remember you playing for Poland’s youth national team and the German club FC Kaiserslautern. Now you will play in Poland, for GKS Bełchatów. Things have changed....
Alan Stulin: Yes, things have changed a little. I came to Poland to play, while my cousin (Radek Szajwaj) went to Germany to play football. For three years I played at left-back, the same position my grandfather Mietek once played. However, after the first friendly match, GKS Bełchatów coach Kamil Kiereś saw that I had played in midfield and knew how to play as a midfielder.
What influenced your decision to play in Poland?
I talked with my family for a long time about whether to play in Poland. I spoke with my grandfather, who watches Polish Ekstraklasa matches and knows football very well. My grandfather told me I would manage. I also spoke with coach Kamil Kiereś. He convinced me as well. I made this decision because I no longer want to play in the reserves. After signing a professional two-year contract with Kaiserslautern, I thought that if I trained and played well, I would get a chance to play in the first team. I did not get that chance. I decided to move to Poland. I can show what I can do here. I also want to play for the national team.
So you still want to play for Poland?
Of course I want to play for the Polish national team. I feel Polish. I always come to visit my family at Christmas. I simply feel Polish.
You visit your hometown, Bolesławiec.
Yes, I always come to visit my family during the holidays. Now I come even more often because Bolesławiec is closer to me than Edenkoben, where I live.
And how do you assess Poland’s performance at Euro 2012?
We did not get out of the easiest group and finished last, but I know that as hosts of the championship, our country presented itself well. They praise us in Germany.
Thank you for the interview. On behalf of the readers and the editorial staff, we wish you success at your new club and a place in the Poland national team.
Thank you.
(information: Marcin Zabawa)