New Sheffield United signing, Richairo Zivkovic, has revealed how he hopes to stay in the Premier League with the Blades beyond his loan spell.
Zivkovic arrived on deadline day, making the move from the Chinese Super League to sign for Chris Wilder.
Richairo Zivkovic is hoping for a long stay in the Premier League. (Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
A former Ajax player, Zivkovic comes with a high pedigree having scored goals in Holland and since, in China. And while his initial spell with the Blades is set to be just a loan deal, the speedy striker has admitted he plans on staying put.
“It was a good experience but when this chance came by, for me a big opportunity and I’m very happy that I’m here, and not in China,” Zivkovic said. (SUFC Official)
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Zivkovic appeared to hint that his time in the Far East hadn’t been all that. Indeed, the Chinese league is still a game that is growing and the striker made further reference to empty stadiums in his interview.
But he appears delighted to be in the English game, adding how he has grown up watching the Premier League.
“When I was a kid I watched Match of the Day with my father every week,” he added.
The Premier League is a dream competition. I’m happy to be a part of it and I’m not planning to leave”
Earlier in the day, Chris Wilder had revealed that deals are in place for both Zivkovic and fellow new signing, Panos Retsos, to join the club on permanent deals.
A real chance for Zivkovic to impress
The fact United have already put themselves in a place to sign Zivkovic and Retsos permanent suggests they have confidence in their new boys.
DOETINCHEM, NETHERLANDS – OCTOBER 16: (L-R) Richairo Zivkovic of Holland U21, Justin Kluivert of Holland U21 during the match between Holland U21 v Ukraine U21 at the De Vijverberg on October 16, 2018 in Doetinchem Netherlands (Photo by Peter Lous/Soccrates/Getty Images)
It’s a real chance, then, for the former Ajax man to really impress Chris Wilder and Alan Knill. Zivkovic will bring genuine pace to the Blades XI. Along with Lys Mousset, he allows Wilder to tinker with his system and change the direction of a game if need be.
A few goals and some hard-working performances could well see Zivkovic over the line in terms of being a permanent Blade come the summer months.
