Partizan promise for Drulovic

By Andy Hall

Perhaps the most internationally recognisable footballer to emerge from Serbia and Montenegro in recent years, at the age of 35 Ljubinko Drulovic has lost none of the qualities that have earned him 38 international caps. After a successful eleven-year spell in Portugal, the goalscoring left winger is back in his homeland with champions FK Partizan. He spoke to uefa.com about his glittering career and the challenges that lie ahead.

uefa.com: You had the chance to sign for Partizan 14 years ago. Why did you move elsewhere?

Ljubinko Drulovic: Partizan's chairman at the time didn't want me, so I decided to move to a smaller club, FK Rad, which was a good step forward. Then I moved to Portugal and ended up staying for eleven years - a year and a half at Gil Vicente [FC], seven and a half seasons at FC Porto and two years at [SL] Benfica. Now I'm really happy to have joined one of the big clubs from my home country and to be able to participate in the [UEFA] Champions League once again.

uefa.com: How does it feel to be at Partizan after all this time?

Drulovic: After suffering a lot of problems, Partizan are keen to make a return to their glory days in Europe and taking part in the Champions League is the first step forward.

uefa.com: As one of the most decorated players to have come out of Serbia and Montenegro, what has been the high point of your career so far?

Drulovic: Probably my spell at Porto. Being part of such a great team at a fantastic club was great for me personally, and for the club because we enjoyed many successful seasons.

uefa.com: On 26 November, Partizan visit the Antas stadium to play Porto in the Champions League. That will be a significant day for you.

Drulovic: It's always a huge honour to return to a stadium linked with so many happy memories and play a team for whom I have an enormous amount of respect. I have many good friends in Portugal and returning there is going to be a happy experience.

uefa.com: Although this time you will be on the opposing team.

Drulovic: Now I have to help Partizan and I'll be treating it like a normal game. It's good for me, Partizan and Porto to participate in the Champions League. It's important that I help my club with the hope that both club and country can become a force in European sport once again

uefa.com: How important is football to the people of Serbia and Montenegro?

Drulovic: Very important, especially after the problems we have been through. Ten or 15 years ago we had some very good teams and players but Serbia and Montenegro has been through some difficult times and now the country wants to return to normality.

uefa.com: How do you see the future at Partizan?

Drulovic: The club finished last season as champions, and has aspirations to be the best club in the land. That's why being in the Champions League is so important for us. There are many good young players in the first team who have made their way up through the club's youth system and those players now have the chance to show their value to the rest of Europe. It's also important for the players of the future to see the best European clubs visiting Belgrade.