Radivojević delighted with Flensburg move
If Bogdan Radivojević’s stellar performances for Serbian title holders Partizan Belgrade in this season’s VELUX EHF Champions League are anything to go by, the 20-year-old right wing can look forward to a glittering career when he joins German giants SG Flensburg-Handewitt next season.
Radivojević broke into the spotlight despite Partizan's failure to advance into the Last 16 from a very tough group, including his future club, and finished as the team’s top scorer in Europe’s premier club competition.
Still buzzing after signing a four-year contract with Flensburg, Radivojević told ehfCL.com in an exclusive interview that his sights were firmly focused on finishing the current season on a high with his present club.
“I am absolutely delighted to have joined a club of Flensburg’s stature because it’s every young player’s dream to be part of such an outfit, but my focus for the time being remains on winning yet another Serbian league title with Partizan,” said Radivojević.
“I am going from one big club to another, but honestly, I couldn’t believe how quickly things moved forward after I drew Flenburg’s attention and I am still not quite back down to my senses, that’s how elated I am.
“I will only become aware of the situation when I get there and to keep up my good form I know have to continue to perform to the best of my abilities for Partizan because consistency is the key.”
Radivojević topped the scoring chart in both Partizan’s Group A games against Flensburg, netting eight goals in a 37:31 home loss and then five in a 31:23 defeat in Germany.
His speed, skill, shooting prowess, and in all likelihood also his defensive ability caught the eye of the German club, whose strength should guarantee perennial participation in Europe’s premier club competition.
“Obviously, it is a huge bonus to be part of such a strong team and playing for Partizan in the Champions League in the past two seasons has been an invaluable experience which helped me develop as a player and maximise my potential.
“I was a little bit fortunate because I was the only right wing left in the squad when Miloš Kostadinović parted company with the club and playing in every match for the entire 60 minutes has been a key factor in making an impact on the big stage,” he emphasised.
With his feet firmly on the ground regarding Flensburg’s competitive roster, Radivojević acknowledged he would have to work exceptionally hard to earn every minute on the court in a star-studded outfit.
“I have no illusions about breaking into the starting line-up straight away; I know I have a lot to learn and everything to prove at that level.
“Denmark’s Lasse Svan Hansen, their starting right wing, is much more experienced than I am and I know I have it all to do in order to prove my worth when I join Flenburg in a few months’ time.
“But I am confident that I will fit into the team seamlessly and get along well with a great group of players,” concluded Radivojević.
TEXT: Zoran Milosavljević / cor
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