Experienced Albanian striker Rubin Hebaj decided to change clubs after his time at Nasaf didn’t go as planned. Now, he will represent Sogdiana from Jizzakh. In an interview with Sports.uz, he answered several key questions.
– Why didn’t things work out at Nasaf?
– Honestly, it just wasn’t lucky. I completed pre-season preparation and felt great, but three days before the first match, I got injured. It took me over a month to recover. That was a setback.
– Do you think joining Nasaf was a mistake?
– No, not at all. Nasaf is a great club, last season’s champions and leaders again this year. They are one of the top teams in Uzbekistan.
– Why did you choose Sogdiana?
– The coach contacted me before the first half of the season ended and explained everything clearly. I now feel really good working under Ivan Boskovic. He has a clear footballing vision. The president and director also made a good offer, and I signed a 1.5-year deal.
– Many remember your standout performances for Andijon, but since leaving, luck hasn’t followed. Do you agree?
– Not exactly. I’m a professional and give my best wherever I go. Just like in life, there are highs and lows. The injury forced me to take a step back, but now I’m trying to return stronger than ever.
– What challenges did you face at Nasaf?
– I actually adapted quite well. I had good chemistry with Balkan players like Ceran and Cholovic. Local teammates also made me feel at home. But after my injury, the coach didn’t give me enough minutes, and I couldn’t prove myself. Sometimes people believe in you, sometimes they don’t — that’s football.
– Did you have a good relationship with Boskovic before?
– We had occasional professional contact. But now I train and talk with him daily, and I’ve seen his coaching abilities firsthand. I want to help him return Sogdiana to the top. God willing, we’ll win the Cup this season and fight hard in next year’s league.
