CSKA's Morozs settled but not content

Viktors Morozs is settling well in Bulgaria with PFC CSKA Sofia, but the one-time Skonto FC midfielder, 28, admitted that he is still pining for his place in the national team.

New life
A model of unfussy determination, Morozs has battled on through serious injuries to carve out a successful playing career. However, he surprised many in Latvia by ending a nine-year stint at Skonto last year to join Bulgarian side CSKA. "I owe Skonto everything; that was an unforgettable period of my career," he told uefa.com as he reflected on his new life in the Balkans.

Winter suitors
A renowned family man, Morozs had previously seemed unwilling to venture abroad, and admitted his first months in Sofia were tough. "It was really hard in the beginning," he said. "I felt uncomfortable in a strange country but things worked out. Everybody helped me. I got used to Sofia and decided to stay at CSKA even though Levski and a Chinese club both came in for me during the winter." Deciding not to go to CSKA's local rivals PFC Levski Sofia cost Morozs a title as the Blues snatched the crown from the Army Men in the closing stages of the campaign. "Second place is a failure," said Morozs. "CSKA led throughout the season but we lost a four-point lead. Levski didn't win the gold medal, we lost it. Can you imagine our disappointment?"

First-team place
It was a bitter end to a season which had seen Morozs learn quickly. "Players in Bulgaria are skilful and everybody like to play combinations – there is no kick and rush," said the midfielder, who carved out a first-team place after a spell on the bench. That form, he might have hoped, would be enough to take him back into the Latvia squad, but he remains on the periphery. "Do I know how many caps I have?" he asked. "Twenty-two! The last one came on 23 March 2007. Do I want to get back into the team? Very much so. It's like at school; the only way to prove you can play is to get on the pitch."

Door not closed
Coach Aleksandrs Starkovs told uefa.com Morozs has not been forgotten, calling him "a serious and reliable person", but added that he "preferred to work with other players at the moment. Will I change anything? I can't say for sure. Anything can happen. There is no doubt that me and Viktors will understand each other if I need him in the national team."