The defender who also fits well as a defensive midfielder granted an exclusive interview to Offssideplus.az.

In this interview, he spoke about his time so far in the Azerbaijan Premier League and also what led him to terminate his contract with Zira and join Sabail.

Here is an extract of the interview: 

Offsideplus: Congratulations on your move to Sabail Professional Football Club. How does it feel to be in a club like Sabail?

Alie Sesay: It feels good because it is a fresh start. I hope that I can serve the team in the best way possible and help them out as much as I can. So I am feeling good.

Offsideplus: After you terminated your contract with Zira, reports had it that you got several offers. Why did you choose Sabail?

Alie Sesay: It was more of the fact that I needed to play because in the first half of the season I didn’t play many games. As a national team player, I need to play many games. It was crucial for me to come here because of the playing time and I feel like the club is good, the infrastructure is good and I also have a good relationship with the assistant manager. He was my assistant manager when I first came to Zira last January. So he played a big part in me coming to Sabail. Overall, I also feel like Sabail is a good club.

Offsideplus: You signed a short term deal with Sabail. What is your object in this short period, till the end of the season?

Alie Sesay: First of all, to just try and get results and get more points in order to climb up the table. I also want to use my presence to inspire the team and motivate the players more so that we can get better results and improve as a team.

Offsideplus: Before Rashad Shadygov was appointed head coach of Zira, you had a lot of playing time, but under him, you had less playing time. What changed?

Alie Sesay: I am not sure I have the answer to this question. It was a bit of a difficult situation for me and an unfortunate one. When he (Rashad) first came in, I was actually playing in the pre-season and first game of the season. Then I did not play for one or two games and then I got back into the team against Keshla and Neftchi before the international break in October. After the international break, I came back to Azerbaijan and I tested positive to COVID-19 so I couldn't play the next game against Sumgayit which we lost. I missed two games and I think the coach was not really happy with me. When I recovered and came back, the team was winning and they were first at a point. They were winning and it was difficult for me to get back into the team. So this is how it ended up.

Offsideplus: You had your formative years in England; played in Sweden, Greece and Bulgaria. Now, you are in Azerbaijan. What is unique about Azerbaijan?

Alie Sesay: I like the people of Azerbaijan because I feel they are honest people, genuine people and very patriotic. That is a big difference between other countries. In terms of football, I feel like the league is a good league. It is physical and competitive. This season, there is more competition than other seasons. Before it was just Qarabag and Neftchi, but now the competition is a bit better.

Offsideplus: You came to Azerbaijan early last year. Before you came, what did you think about Azerbaijan and did the city Baku meet your expectation?

Alie Sesay: To be honest, it exceeded my expectations. When I first heard of Azerbaijan, I didn’t even know where Azerbaijan is because I didn’t have much knowledge about the country. But when I came, it exceeded my expectations. Baku as a city is amazing, probably one of the best cities I have lived in. 

Offsideplus: So, how do you relax on your free days? Do you have any favourite Chill Spot in Baku?

Alie Sesay: To be honest I am a “homebody”. I like to stay in. That is just my character and obviously, with the COVID-19 situation for the last months, it has not been the best time to go outside considering the restrictions and so. Most of the time, I just stay home and relax. I like to read and also talk with my girl and family on the phone.

Offsideplus: What do you read?

Alie Sesay: I read a variety of books, from books about investing and books about improving general knowledge and mindset.

Offsideplus: Have you been able to get along with Azerbaijani cuisine? If yes, what is your favourite?

Alie Sesay: To be honest I do like the food, but I don’t remember the names. I wouldn’t say there is a mean I have eaten that I didn’t like. I can relate to the food in general considering where I come from.

Offsideplus: How do you hope to help Sabail get to a better position at the end of the season?

Alie Sesay: I will try my best to use my experience to strengthen the defence so that we can concede fewer goals. Obviously, the fewer goals we concede, the more points we pick up. So my aim is to really assist the team in the defence and hopefully inspire the whole team to push up.

Offsideplus: Sabail is a “young club” with very big aspirations. Will you love to stay longer and be part of the club’s history?

Alie Sesay: Yes, why not. I have spoken to the coach, I know the aspiration of the team and it really sounds good. That would be something I would be interested in.