Mario Melchiot admitted that he was ready to return to his native Holland - until Steve Bruce stepped in with the offer of an extended run in the Premiership. The 27-year-old Dutch international was out of contract at Chelsea and pondering his future when the persistence of Bruce's phone calls finally paid dividends. It means he will be linking up with former teammate Jesper Gronkjaer in a bid to propel Birmingham into Europe. However, it wasn't only Bruce who influenced Melchiot's decision to swap one blue shirt for another - as he revealed to givemefootball's Ian Clarkson!
Q:I UNDERSTAND YOU WERE IMPRESSED BY BIRMINGHAM'S FANS LAST SEASON?
A:I know the Birmingham fans are very loud. There were a couple of times last season when they made comments to me during games and I started smiling. And then they started clapping me, which is good.The loudest fans are the most important because they back up the team and will influence the spirit that the boys already have amongst themselves. If you get a great stadium included with it, then it becomes even better.
Q:DO YOU THINK MOVING TO ST. ANDREW'S WILL AFFECT YOUR INTERNATIONAL CAREER?
A:Coming to Birmingham won't affect my international chances. If I do well I will play international football - if I don't I won't it's as simple as that. If you are good enough then you should be playing - irrespective of what club you are at.
Q:WILL THERE BE A LOT OF PRESSURE ON YOU THIS SEASON TO PRODUCE THE GOODS?
A:I came to Birmingham from a big team where there was a lot of pressure. They had so many big players that every time you played you had to be on top of your game. I have the same feeling at Birmingham, as all the eyes will be on me. But I don't mind that because it means I haven't lessened the pressure on me. I may have changed teams but it will be the same and I perform far better like that. The main reason you sign is because of the ideas of the club and the trainer - and the ideas of Mr Bruce were so important in making my decision.
Q:CAN THIS TEAM QUALIFY FOR EUROPE?
A:I was ready to go back to Holland because, after five years at a club, you need something fresh. Chelsea are one of the top teams in England, but I get the feeling that Blues are like the Chelsea I signed for. I want to play in Europe and that would be a real achievement for us. Last year they just missed the boat, so why shouldn't we do it this year?
Q:WHAT OTHER INTERESTS DO YOU HAVE OUTSIDE OF FOOTBALL?
A:I love music and it is my life. I think football is a rhythm and music can influence that. It helps me relax away from football. The important thing for me is what music does to you. There are so many different types and what is important is to find one that relaxes you. At present, my favourite artist is Usher.
