Cameroonian forward Guy Merlin Mollo Bessala has become a player of the first team of FC Sheriff. The striker signed a contract with the club after passing all the mandatory procedures and has already held the first training sessions with the new team. A pupil of the famous Cameroonian academy ‘Kadji’, Merlen previously played for Estonian “Levadia”, with which he won the Cup of the country, and Ukrainian club ‘LNZ’. In an interview with the official website, the striker spoke about his first impressions of his stay in Tiraspol, his adaptation to European football and his goals for the season.

- Merlen, welcome to Sheriff! How were your first days at the club?
- The first days were great. I immediately noticed that the club is equipped to the highest level. So many training pitches, excellent infrastructure - everything is well thought out. There are enough African players in the team, and it makes you feel at home. Preparation and training have started - there is still a lot to learn.

- Why did you decide to continue your career in Sheriff?
- It was a joint decision - my family, agent, previous club. We discussed everything thoroughly and came to an agreement. I am grateful to everyone. I already have one trophy - the Estonian Cup. I want to add to my collection and achieve new victories here, in Tiraspol.

- You're from Yaounde, and you started your career at Kaji Academy. What did it give you?
- This club gave me a solid soccer base. It all started when my father heard about the selection and we went to another city to watch. It worked out in the end. Kadji Academy is an important step in the career of any young player. Its graduates were such players as Samuel Eto'o and Eric Djemba-Djemba.

- How was the adaptation to European soccer in Estonia?
- Everything took about three weeks. It's actually a short period of time. I was lucky with the team - the guys accepted me well, helped me. Of course, the style of soccer, the intensity, the conditions - everything was different from what I knew in Africa. It was difficult, but I coped, and it gave me the confidence to move on.

- In “Levadia” you scored 13 goals and won the Cup. What is the secret of such a fast progress?
- Academy “Kadji” really well prepares for big soccer. I arrived already with an understanding of what to do. I quickly got used to it, caught the right rhythm and started scoring. Everything worked thanks to good preparation and support of the team.

- The next stage - Ukraine. What was the most memorable?
- The Ukrainian championship is a higher level than Estonia or Moldova. The games against Shakhtar and Dynamo were especially memorable - such matches help to grow. I worked hard, I wanted to prove that I am worthy of more. Now I am at Sheriff - and this is a new challenge, which motivates me.

- Is there a match or goal that particularly stays in your memory?
- Yes, the match against Flora in Estonia - the derby. It was my first game in which I scored for Levadia. A very important moment for me personally and for the team. Such goals remain in my memory for a long time.

- You are a striker. Tell me, what is your style of play?
- I like to play at speed. Quick passes are my strong point. Fighting in the penalty area is always 50-50, but I try to be persistent. Of course, as a forward, I like to finish attacks. If there is a good pass, I try to realize it as effectively as possible. But I have room to grow, and I am determined to work every day.

- What goals do you set for yourself in the new club and the upcoming season?
- The main goal is to help the team. I want to go to the championship together with everyone, to be part of a great success. This is very important for me.

FC Sheriff Press Service