Dudka: I have a strong personality

Dariusz Dudka is the most recent signing of Lech Poznan. Having reached an agreement with Lech, the defensive player gave an interview in which he talked about his plans for the future, his role in the team and the choice of the number he will be wearing.

Does a 3-year long contract mean that Dariusz Dudka wants to finish his career in Lech Poznan?

Life is unpredictable and so we will see what happens in 3 years. However, it is not unlikely.

To what extent was your transfer to Lech influenced by coach Skorza whom you have known well for a long time?

The coach was an important factor. People with whom I have worked before persuaded me to take this decision.

You are the only player in Lech's dressing room that knows what it feels like to compete in the Champions League. Do you consider yourself a mentor in the context of the European cups?

I have already experienced it in France and I want to tell about it to the rest of the players, especially the young ones, if only we get the chance to. One of my tasks is to help youngsters settle in.

You are known for your feistiness and strong personality. Can we expect you to have a say in what happens both on the pitch and in the dressing room?

I have talked about it with the chairman and the coach. They both want a player with a strong character and that is who I am. I have never had any problems in the dressing room; I have always got along well with everybody. I believe that I will soon create good relations with my new teammates.

Not long ago you had trained with the reserve teams of Lech Poznan, back when Rumak was the coach. How close where you to Lech's dressing room back then?

Some talks took place. However, coach Rumak did not need me back then because he had Murawski in his squad and so the discussion was quickly put to an end. Having trained with the reserves team I saw all those players that will now join the first team. It can be an advantageous.

You can play on numerous different positions. Where does the training staff see you?

I am here to fulfill the role of a no. 6, however coach Skorza knows me well and so if I am to play as the left back or center back, I will do it.

You have been no.6 on the pitch, but you have always worn no.5 on the shirt. The number is currently taken. Did you talk to Tamas Kadar about exchanging your numbers?

No, I have no problem with it. No. 15 was free, and it does have a "5'"in it, so I took it.

Where does this sentiment for no. 5 come from?

I don't know, but maybe it's because I have always had this number, whether I played in France, Polish National Team, or recently in Wisla. I got used to this number.

You played in Wisla and some people might recall you wanting to play for Legia. What reception do you expect from the fans in Poznan?

When I was transferred to Wisla the fans recalled those words I have said years ago, even though they were taken out of the context. I said that if I were to leave Wronki, I wanted to move to a big club and because the journalist was from Warsaw, he added Legia's name. I am not here to prove anything to anyone. I only want to focus on the game.