Eduardo has well and truly announced himself to the footballing public, especially the Arsenal fans who have taken to him in a short space of time. The 24 year old Croatian striker has netted two goals in the Champions League and recently scored a brace against Sheffield United to send the Gunners unto the quarter finals of the Carling Cup. Givemefootball caught up with him after the Arsenal-Manchester United game.
Q:YOU SEEM TO HAVE ADAPTED QUICKLY TO THE ENGLISH GAME?
A:It is difficult to adapt. Even coming from a good league like in Croatia it's difficult to adapt. Some players need two months, others need a year. I'm adapting at my own pace. I think I'm on track. I'm getting my chances and making the most of them.
Q:HOW DOES THE PREMIER LEAGUE COMPARE TO WHAT YOU HAD KNOWN IN CROATIA?
A:It's completely different. The stadiums are bigger and fuller. The pitches are different and it's more physical and stronger. I'm training all the time working on the mental an physically side of the game. I'm trying to carve out my space little by little. I may be doing it slowly but I'm doing it all the same. I'm getting more and more confident too.
Q:HAVE YOU ALWAYS HAD THIS KNACK OF SCORING GOALS?
A:If I have a trademark, it's scoring goals in whatever way I can. There isn't one type of goal. If I'm going to get the chance like against Sheffield United then I'll kick them like that. As the Brazilian saying goes, if the ball goes in, it went in.
Q:HOW HAVE YOU SETTLED IN LONDON?
A:I'm really enjoying it, although I'm living in the surburbs and I'm not the sort to go out much. But it's exciting learning a new language. Gilberto has been very helpful in giving advice, telling me things since he's been here the longest.
Q:DO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN CROATIA AND BRAZIL FOLLOW YOUR FORTUNES?
A:I think everyone around the world takes an interest. The Premier League is the best in the world and Croatia and Brazil always show the games.
Q:ARE YOU CONFIDENT CROATIA CAN QUALIFY FOR EURO 2008?
A:We are definitely in the best position but we are still not yet there. We need a draw. For England things are looking really complicated. I reckon it looks like Russia and Croatia to qualify.
Q:WHAT'S THE FEELING IN CROATIA ABOUT THE NATIONAL TEAM?
A:Everyone now believes in us. Before the first game against England no-one thought we would get to where we are. We are a good national team. We have qualified for the last six or seven World Cups or Euros. I think the team is used to being a fixture at the big Championships.
