IN CONVERSATION WITH MICHY BATSHUAYI

Belgian footballer Michy Batshuayi plays as a striker for Fenerbahçe S.K. and the Belgium national team. When he was signed by Chelsea in 2016/2017 season, he scored the winning goal for the Premier League title. His nickname on the field is ‘Batsman’, after the superhero Batman.

Michy, how did you develop passion for football?

It’s a passion that was passed on to me at an early age by my parents, both of whom were interested in football from an early age.

When in your career did you settle in the position of a striker? Have you ever played other positions in the game as well?

I’ve always been a striker and I’ve always wanted to stay that way.

You are currently playing for Fenerbahçe S.K. in Istanbul, Turkey. What excites you the most about playing for this club?

It’s an honor for me to be part of one of Turkey’s top clubs and to contribute to its progress.

Before Fenerbahçe, you were playing for Chelsea, where you scored the winning goal for the Premier League title in your debut season. How did that feel?

For me, it’s a childhood dream come true to play for one of the best English clubs in the Premier League.

Having played in the leagues in different European countries, how different is actually each league from a player’s perspective?

England is more physical, Spain more technical, Italy more tactical, and Germany and France combine these three characteristics.

You are also playing for the Belgium national team, for which you played at 2018 and 2022 World Cup and 2016 and 2020 European Championship. Which of these championships was the most memorable for you?

For me, it was the European Championship because it was my first tournament with the Belgian team. But the World Cup has a greater impact than Euro because it’s a unique opportunity to take part and represent your country in front of the whole world.

Each football player dreams of winning Champions League, European Championship or the World Cup. Which of the three titles would mean the most to you?

The World Cup.

What are your goals for this season?

To perform as well as possible and score as many goals as possible.

What are your goals for the future of your career? What would you like to still achieve as a professional football player?

To continuously improve my skills and learn from my experiences, and become a better athlete to consistently perform at the highest level during matches, training sessions and practice sessions. To win individual awards and distinctions, such as the Ballon d’Or or the Soulier d’Or. To win caps and represent my national team in major international tournaments such as the World Cup or UEFA European Championship. And to make a positive contribution to the sport and be remembered by fans and peers as a great footballer.

When you are not on the field, how does your day off look like?

My free time is devoted to my family and to developing some upcoming personal projects. 

Interview by Jana Letonja @janaletonja