Belarus's Player of the Year for 2009, midfielder Sergei Krivets was widely regarded as his nation's most promising young player, but after winning four titles with FC BATE Borisov – and scoring the club's first UEFA Champions League group-stage goal against Juventus on 30 September 2008 – he chose to sign for Polish side Lech Poznań in the winter. It was a surprise move for many of his fans, but the 23-year-old told UEFA.com he is happy he took that decision.

UEFA.com: Why did you sign for Lech and not a team from a bigger league?

Sergei Krivets: They put in the most detailed offer, and the negotiations with BATE went very fast. I like Lech because of their potential. They rely on me and I get regular games here. I also rate the team who are fighting for the title and will play in Europe.

UEFA.com: How have you found your new club?

Krivets: I like the fact that it is all new to me. The fitness training is not like anything I had at my last club and there are so many players from different countries; I expected five or six while but it is more like ten. It is a good experience to play in such a multicultural team.

UEFA.com: You are considered to be one of Belarus's top players but have played just five times for the national team. Why is that?

Krivets: I haven't been at my best with the national teams. Take the away game against Croatia in September; I had lots of chances but missed them. Had I scored, coach Bernd Stange would have more reasons to select me. I haven't shown my full potential with the national team but I really want to earn a place in the first XI.

UEFA.com: Everyone in Belarus knows your goal against Juventus. Do you watch that video clip often?

Krivets: It used to be on TV all the time so it was impossible to avoid seeing it, but now I have pretty much forgotten about that goal. Friends and relatives occasionally remind me about it.

UEFA.com: You can play in defence and midfield. Which position do you prefer?

Krivets: I prefer to play as an attacking midfielder. I have no problem playing on the wings, but if I could choose, a position behind the first striker is the best for me.

UEFA.com: What are your hobbies?

Krivets: I like team sports, especially ice hockey; I can skate and play sometimes. I used to watch Dinamo Minsk hockey matches back in Belarus. Also I like to play football management games, go to the cinema and read. I have been reading the Russian classics recently; Dostoevski, Turgenev.

UEFA.com: Did you have a boyhood hero?

Krivets: I liked Ronaldo, and Zinédine Zidane after him. Nowadays, Francesco Totti impresses me the most, not just as a player but as a personality. I am amazed by his commitment to AS Roma. It is impossible not to respect him. He is a true leader and role model.