Soccer - Pekarik ahead of England clash: "Don't feel exhausted"
The Slovak Hertha professional Peter Pekarik apparently has no thoughts of ending his football career yet. Before the EM Quarterfinal match of his Slovaks in Gelsenkirchen against England on Sunday, the 37-year-old said in an interview with the "Berliner Kurier" (Saturday): "I feel mentally and physically no exhaustion, have strength and great pleasure to continue playing at the highest level. That's why I believe that there are still footballing challenges ahead of me."
His contract with the Berlin Second League team expires on Sunday. He has been with Hertha since 2012. The right-back joined the capital city team from VfL Wolfsburg back then.
"Football has given me a lot in my professional career. I am very grateful that I was able to achieve all my dreams and goals during my career. Football still brings me great joy and fun. Of course, it's hard work, but I love it," Pekarik said in the interview.
In their first knockout duel at this EM, all players need a perfect day against the English, emphasized the defender and also gave insights into the success recipe of the Slovak team: "Our greatest advantage is our teamwork, our team spirit, our solidarity, our humility. In the national team, we are a big football family that sticks together not only on the pitch but also off it."
Interview Details for the Match
- Despite his contract with Hertha BSC in Berlin's second league ending on Sunday, Slovak defender Peter Pekarik does not show signs of retirement, expressing his ongoing enthusiasm for soccer.
- Pekarik, who joined Hertha from VfL Wolfsburg in 2012, mentioned in an interview with the Berlin Courier that football has been a source of joy and fulfillment throughout his professional career.
- The EM quarterfinal match between Slovakia and England on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen will be their first knockout stage encounter, and according to Pekarik, their teamwork, spirit, solidarity, and humility are their strongest assets.
- Even at 37, Pekarik feels no exhaustion, both mentally and physically, and believes that there are still soccer challenges awaiting him.
- Originally from Slovakia, Pekarik currently resides in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, where Hertha BSC and England will be facing each other in the round of sixteen at the European Championships (EM).
- Despite the intensity of the soccer game, Pekarik remains optimistic, emphasizing that the team spirit, camaraderie, and solidarity they share off the pitch will help them to deliver a perfect performance in their challenge against England.
