Supporter Sunday: AZ-fan in Russia

Published on 14 januari 20, 11:58

It is is 4.277 kilometres from his hometown Jekaterinenburg to the AFAS Stadion of AZ. Which takes approximately eight hours on an airplane. 

Logo
''I started supporting AZ since my childhood. Fourteen years ago I played a lot computergames. I really liked the team logo of AZ. When you constantly play for the same club, you get used to it. When I was finally able to watch the matches, I fell in love with the attacking style of AZ.''

Matches
''I watch live broadcasts of matches on the Internet. Sometimes it’s not easy to find a good broadcast. To be honest, I prefer broadcasts with Dutch commentators. Such more passion.''

Social Media
''Besides the matches, I follow AZ on social media. I constantly check Twitter. I like the way they work with the fans at our club. Everything, even the smallest event, is covered by photos and videos. Sometimes you come across clubs that only have news from match to match. Of course, I also regularly visit the club’s official website. Having the opportunity, I would like to personally thank the photographer of AZ. His photo reports are just awesome - the best in Eredivisie!''

Fanpage
''Together with two friends, I have an AZ-fanpage. This excists already ten years. We always discuss the match together. At this moment, we have more than 600 members.''

First match
''This season, I watched AZ for the first time in real life. I visited the team in Kazakstan against FC Astana. It was an incredible day. I was very excited. In the center of the capital of Kazakstan, I met some AZ-fans. I constantly checked Twitter and waited for the team to go for a walk around the city. I wanted to meet players on the streets of the city.'' 

Team
''The current team of AZ has really good players. It is very clever that a large part comes from our own youth academy. The club can be very proud of that. For that reason, visiting my first AZ match was even more special. I don't have a favorite player, because they each have their own unique talent. Marco Bizot is an important closing point with international experience, our captain Teun Koopmeiners has a good overview and Myron Boadu is very fast. Every player has his own specialty. Nevertheless, I do have a favorite AZ of all time, that's Mounir El Hamdaoui.''

Europa League
''It will be great if AZ can make its mark in Europe this year. If the Alkmaarders end second in the national competition, they can also have a chance to play Champions League football next season. It seems to me a unique experience to hear the official Champions League anthem at the AFAS Stadium. In my opinion, that will be a fantastic reward for this season."