Andreas Beck on…
…the transfer to VfB:
"The first contact was made on Tuesday. I was just out for a walk when I got the news the VfB were seriously interested in signing me. I saw it as a great chance and a great challenge to play in the Bundesliga again. I then telephoned with Michael Reschke and made it clear that he could go ahead with the move. Subsequently the deal was worked on until shortly before the transfer window closed."
…his time in Istanbul:"
Football is played at a very high level in Turkey. I had a successful time at Besiktas, we won the league twice, the cup once and we played in the Champions League. I really enjoyed living in Turkey. I allowed it to grow on me and got to know many facets – both positive as well as negative. For example, it was very interesting to see how a foreigner is integrated into an unfamiliar culture."
…his first impressions of VfB:
"My first impressions were very intensive. I saw many familiar faces, from the team, the support team and the staff. I was really excited about getting going again where I left off ten years ago. Many things seem very familiar, but also new. The club has really found itself, particularly through the relegation to the second division."
…his fitness:
"At Besiktas I was fully involved in the training programme and played in the first games. I feel fit, but it will be an adjustment playing here. At VfB, football is played differently than it is at Besiktas. The important thing now will be to learn the processes and mechanisms – which I’m looking forward to."
…VfB and the current season:"
I’m a Stuttgart lad. I have always maintained a strong connection with Stuttgart and my home. I have followed the progress of VfB closely over the years. I had hoped that the club would find itself again in the second-flight. That’s a feeling which is conveyed by the club and the people in the region. We have a good mix in the team of talented youngsters and players with a good deal of experience. My talks with Hannes Wolf were very interesting. I want to continue learning and developing, but also to utilise my experience. We’ll see where it all leads."