Lukas Zima: Leave Italy? It was not an easy decision. But I needed to make a change

Goalkeeper Lukáš Zima left the Apennine Peninsula after ten years to try his luck in the Netherlands. He has signed for second division side VVV Venlo, whom he would like to help return to the Eredivisie. Twenty-seven-year-old Zima revealed to Ruik how difficult it was to leave Italy, but also what he expects from his new engagement.

You’ve been with Dutch side VVV Venlo since the summer, how happy are you in your new position so far?

So far my new engagement is fulfilling what I expected. It is a club with a long tradition and amazing crowd support every home game. The competition is very balanced, where every team even from the bottom of the table can win against those clubs that play for the highest positions.

How impressed have you been with the second league in the Netherlands so far? And what are the club’s goals?

I have very positive impressions so far. It’s amazing to see some of the teams in the second Dutch league, what kind of facilities they have or how they work with their players. Otherwise, the goals of the club are clear from the beginning. And that is to return to the Eredivisie, either to advance directly or via the play-offs. We have a very young team, but we are improving every game.

You left Italy after ten years, how would you evaluate your time on the Apennine Peninsula? And did you have any other interesting offers?

Yes, I left Italy after ten years. It wasn’t an easy decision at all, as Italy had grown close to my heart and I considered it my second home. But I think I needed a change and I wanted to try something new.

I guess a lot of people criticised me for not playing in Italy and ruining my career. But I say again, if clubs still want you, you probably have some quality and you can do something. On top of that, I’ve also gained a lot of experience from players who have done something in their careers. I think Italy has one of the best goalkeeping schools in the world.

I’m 27 now and I think that’s the best age for a goalkeeper. I’m glad I had the opportunity to go through Italy and I would like to go back one day. I had the opportunity to stay in Italy, but I also had offers from Cyprus or Scotland. But I liked the interest and the project that Venlo presented to me.

Your former club Slavia Prague got into the Confederation League group Feyenoord Rotterdam. How do you see Slavia’s chances against Feyenoord? And how is Slavia perceived in the Netherlands?

I’m sure everyone here knows Slavia and always has. Slavia is and always has been one of the big clubs in Europe. It won’t be easy for them, but they certainly have the qualities to win against Feyenoord.

How happy are you in the Netherlands in terms of life compared to Italy?

A beautiful country and very modern compared to Italy. Everything works as it should here, which sometimes you can’t say about Italy. But every country has its pros and cons. But otherwise, I’m happy so far.

Finally, I would like to ask you what do you expect from being in the Netherlands?

I would like to return to the top competition with Venlo. Play as many games as possible and help my team. If I can’t do that in two years, I would like to attract the attention of other clubs that might be interested. But right now my motivation is clear. I want to play and perform at my best to help the club return to the elite.

Source:: Lukáš Zima