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BOLO ZENDEN - THE OFFICIAL EXIT INTERVIEW 1-8-05
It was impossible to arrange a face to face meeting with Bolo but he very kindly agreed to answer some questions via e-mail. It is clear that his main communication skills are on the pitch, but nevertheless it is good to know that he had some good times with us. But we really should have educated him in parmos..."
COB: You were noted last season for motivating the crowd and generating atmosphere. Is that a reflection of your personality in the dressing room and off the pitch too?
BZ: I just wanted to do well and sometimes we needed some motivation.
COB: You were voted ComeOnBoro.com Man of the Year 2004 and you have a lot of fans amongst the writers. How do you rate your own contribution to the club?
BZ: The award was a big compliment, but I can't rate my own contribution. I'd have to leave that to others.
COB: Why did you want to leave Boro, where you were succesful and popular?
BZ: I took a new challenge and the opportunity to play in the Champions League.
COB: What do you think of the songs that the Boro crowd sang about you?
BZ: I was very pleased with the songs the fans came up with.
COB: Did you see moving from Chelsea to Boro as a step down?
BZ: Not as a step down, but another opportunity to show my qualities.
COB: Tell us about the Lazio game last November. What was going through your mind when you scored the goals?
BZ: I was determined to do well in the UEFA and get to the next round, so I was delighted when I got my goals.
COB: Boro did not sell out their seats for most games last season. Does playing in front of some empty seats affect your game?
BZ: It doesn't really affect my game, but I prefer a full house!!
COB: You will always go down in Boro folklore as a scorer in the 2004 Carling Cup final. How did it feel to be responsible for breaking the Boro's 128 year hoo-doo?
BZ: It's a fantastic feeling and something to be proud of, but we did it as a team!
COB: Liverpool have a clearer squad rotation policy than Middlesbrough. Is this more compatable with your international ambitions? Is there any concern that your appearances may be restricted, like they were at Chelsea?
BZ: I have no concerns about my appearances and don't think it'll affect my international career.
COB: What were the low points of your time at Boro?
BZ: The league finish in my first year. We should have done better
COB: Was money a big factor in your decision to sign for Liverpool or do you see Liverpool as being on a much higher level than Boro?
BZ: No, money wasn't a factor. I got the opportunity to play Champions League again.
COB: We understand that Steve Gibson made a personal phonecall to you as you departed the club. What words did he have for you?
BZ: He thanked me for the two years I have played at Boro.
COB: When did Liverpool first approach you?
BZ: During my holidays
COB: Why, throughout your time at Boro, did your personal website show you in Chelsea colours and why did it barely mention Boro?
BZ: Because it wasn't updated since 2001.
COB: Is it true that PSV Eindhoven and Newcastle made enquiries for you but you turned them both down?
BZ: No, not true
COB: Why did Boro get so many injuries in training last season. Is our luck that bad, or is there more to it?
BZ: No idea, we were unlucky.
COB: Does your contract at Liverpool guarantee a minimum number of first-team starts?
BZ: No.
COB: Media reports suggest that Steven Gerrard almost left Liverpool this Summer. Were you signed as a possible replacement for him?
BZ: No.
COB: How do you think you will feel on the opening day of the season, as you line up against your old side and what kind of reception do you expect?
BZ: I'll be a strange feeling. I think and hope I'll get a good reception, because I have given my everything in the two years I played for Boro.
COB: Did you ever eat a parmo?
BZ: Parmo? No, no idea what it is.
COB: And finally, you have given us two great and memorable years and assured your place in Boro history. What is your departing message to the Boro faithful...
BZ: I would like to thank the fans, the players, the staff and the chairman for two fantastic seasons. And hope the club will be just as successful in the years ahead.
Wishing you all the best,
Boudewijn
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