Cardiff City star reveals Sunderland approach and the two Euro clubs that wanted him
The 21-year-old has revealed there were a number of interested parties this summer
Cardiff City striker Roko Simic has revealed Sunderland made an approach to sign him this summer.
The forward signed for the Bluebirds from Red Bull Salzburg last month but was immediately sent back out on loan to sister club sister club KV Kortrijk.
Cardiff have inserted a clause which will allow them to bring the player back in January if they so wish, and have nailed him down on a four-year deal. It’s now been revealed by the man himself that Championship rivals the Black Cats came close to securing his services, alongside a few other teams on the continent.
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Kortrijk’s new loan signing has been speaking to the club website about his move to Wales during the summer.
“Sunderland were close,” he said. “My first club, Dinamo Zagreb, also wanted me. There was interest from Udinese and some other clubs, but that is no longer important. Now I’m here. And I feel good here: I feel peace and tranquillity in the club and that is important to me.”
Simic also explained that he is excited to get some well needed game-time.
“In Salzburg they have five or six players for each position,” he continued. “Even if you score, they put someone else in your place the following week. I want to develop into a strong footballer and that is only possible if, in addition to the training sessions, you can also play regular matches with commitment.”
The Croatian under-21 international celebrated his 21st birthday at his new club, and says he will do a special celebration for his younger brother if he scores. “Nothing special, no. All my team-mates congratulated me after training. Afterwards I celebrated it in my apartment by myself. Ordered some nice food.
Wien and immediately made the gesture as if I was shooting an a”But my family is coming to visit on Saturday. My father, my mother and my youngest brother David. He has Down’s syndrome and is a fantastic guy. Once I scored against Rapid rrow from a bow. David still remembers that. If I score on Saturday, I will do it again especially for him.”
Simic and his new club face Belgian big-hitters Club Brugge this weekend.
