I thought I'd share a recent interview with Rekik done in Netherlands.
Its Google translated so forgive my Dutch!
Karim Rekik exchanged Feyenoord last summer for Manchester City. And the only 16 year old youth international has no regrets about it since. 'I wanted a step higher, and always dreamed of playing in England. I had the opportunity to go and did not hesitate. Manchester City has been the right choice in everything. "
Rekik, who has Tunisian roots, goes like a rocket. City coach Roberto Mancini left the central defender in preparing all raids against Internazionale. On September 21 Rekik made his official debut in the Carling Cup match against Birmingham City (2-0 gains). 'That I will never forget, "he says OnsOranje.nl. " We played at home, in a full stadium. I was in the second half only warm up and then you know that the coach plans. "Call me now!" I always thought. And then came the moment, just over ten minutes before time. Whether I was nervous? Mancini also said that to me. No, not at all. I enjoyed every moment. After the final whistle came the realization really. My debut for City. It was a fantastic night. "
The club has a lot of confidence in Rekik. Not for nothing was he appointed as captain of the reserves. As a 16-year-old. 'The first time I got the captain, I thought it would be off. But these matches remained so. Yeah, what do you do? Take responsibility. It shows a lot of confidence in me. I must therefore make it radiate true. I do not feel extra pressure. I'm just doing my thing. "
Rekik weekdays trains along the main force. As if the most natural thing in the world. 'The first time I thought: this is really really fast. But at some point you just go along and in the high level. I have a lot to guys like Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Nigel de Jong. They give me tips and say I must have patience. Tricky, because after the Carling Cup, I obviously increasing. But I understand what they mean. "
Rivalry
The rivalry between Manchester United and City has not escaped Rekik. The historic 1-6 at Old Trafford saw the tube. " Unbelievable. I sat with my family watching and did not know what I saw. Especially the second half went so fast. I think the score could even be higher. After that 1-6 it is felt that the City is directed to take over. That the roles are reversed. It says something, of course, a rash. "
The players are adored by City fans, including Rekik. " I was recently at a restaurant when someone tapped me on my shoulder. He wanted a picture. Wow, I thought. Some getting used to though. As I occasionally walk through a mall, people waving at me. Separately, for sure. But I have no problem with that. I think it's great fun even. "
As development continues Rekik, the focus for him in the coming years will only increase. " City feels like a family. I could go to clubs in other countries, but I absolutely wanted to England. And I have no regrets about it since. This is a childhood dream, yes. I just want to keep going the same way and eventually reach the top. What's that? The best defender in the world! "
