The latest interview for the site is with Finland U21 striker Vahid Hambo, who in summer 2015 signed for English Championship club Brighton and Hove Albion. At the time of writing this, Brighton are top of the table and still unbeaten. Vahid started 2015 in scintillating form to earn his big move. Thanks again to Vahid for his time, you can follow him on Twitter here.
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Brighton have made a great start to the season, what is the atmosphere like at the club?
We are still top of the Championship and unbeaten this season, and that's always good. I think everybody has developed a strong winning mentality, so people at the club will be very disappointed if Brighton doesn't finish in the top three places this season.
What are your personal ambitions for the season?
I had a long ankle injury at the start of the season, then I was fit for two weeks and played in one under-21 game. Unfortunately I now have a knee injury (torn meniscus) and will be out for another two months... So we will see again after that.
You earned the nickname “Finnish Zlatan” before your move – what do you think of that name?
Haha it's funny, but I don't take any pressure from it - because there is only one Zlatan!
Has having (Finland goalkeeper) Niki Mäenpää at the club helped you settle in?
The club have helped me a lot. I now see Niki almost everyday at training ground. If I need something, I can always ask Niki.
Brighton has a reputation for being a very liberal place to live – what’s your favourite part of the city?
I'm living in Hove, around 15 minutes walk to the town centre, and only two minutes from the sea front. I don't have a favourite place yet, but I love being close to the sea.
What was the best experience of playing for Sampdoria’s academy side?
I don't know, probably everything! I learnt a lot about how strikers should move in the box and during the game. That was maybe the biggest thing. But also playing against the best young Italian players, that is where you see the level of play compared to Finland.
There was some talk of Bosnia showing interest in your career (Vahid's parents are from Bosnia, he was born in Finland) – is it something you’ve considered?
Yes of course, but I've always played for Finland, and I've never had any proper contact from Bosnia so there's nothing to think about at the moment...
Who was your footballing idol growing up?
When I was younger, I liked to watch Ronaldinho. But at the moment, I don't really have an idol.
Brighton re-signed Bobby Zamora in the summer, has he taught you anything yet?
I haven't really trained with him because of my injuries, but you can see in him that he has a lot of experience and is such a good professional. He has already scored a lot of important goals for us.
Have you had any Brighton Rock yet?
Haha no I haven't, yet!
My thanks again to Vahid - coming soon, an interview with Finland's futsal captain Panu Autio, once I get round to translating...
