Noah, welcome to VfB. How excited are you about hopefully being able to play in the Bundesliga soon?
Noah Darvich: “The excitement is definitely big. I’m delighted that the move to VfB – such a special club – has worked out. It’s nice to be back in Germany. I now want to settle in quickly, get to know my team-mates and just work hard in order to get my first games in the Bundesliga in the future.”
You’ve been at FC Barcelona for the last two years. How did family and friends react when they found out about your return to Germany?
Noah Darvich: “They were very pleased about it. Family, parents, brother, friends – everyone is very happy. I’ll now be living much close to home again, which makes visiting easier.”
What do you take personally from your time in Barcelona?
Noah Darvich: “Barcelona was a great adventure. It was like being in a film. I got to play and train with childhood idols. I also got a lot of support from other players, which was awesome. The time abroad made me grow up as a person, too.”
How much does it help that you’re immediately encountering a few familiar faces at VfB?
Noah Darvich: “That certainly helps. I’ve already played with a few of the boys in the German youth national teams – such as Finn Jeltsch, Maximilian Herwerth, Jarzinho Malanga. I also know Yannik Keitel and Kenny Freßle from Freiburg. I contacted them a bit beforehand just to see how I felt, and how they felt, about VfB. Now I’m pleased that it’s all worked out and I can get going soon.”
Talking of “getting going”, what are your plans for your first weeks and months at VfB?
Noah Darvich: “I want to feel at home and settle in quickly. That includes getting to know my team-mates and working hard. I watched the Bundesliga a lot in Spain and obviously noticed the success that VfB have had. I also had very good talks with [head coach] Sebastian Hoeneß and I’m looking forward to working with the whole coaching staff. It’s brilliant to be part of the club and to be able to make a contribution to its continued development.”
