Interview with Russell Gatt De Raffaele

by Ayrton Galea - 12th February 2014

As the Under-19's Team will be involved in the top of the table clash this evening, for this week's interview, the choice fell on one of the most promising players found in the Under-19's Team, Russell Gatt De Raffaele.

The promising youngster, already made his senior team debut when he was included as a substitute in the fourth round of the U*BET FA Trophy against St. Andrew's.

Who is Russell Gatt De Raffaele?

I am 17 years old and I was born on the 24th of May 1996. I come from Vittoriosa and I am a very shy person. I started playing football at a very young age of 3 years old.

How do you spend your regular day?

My regular day involves going to school, and straight after I go to do what I love most, and that is to play football.

How do you spend your weekends?

Usually I spend my weekends with family and friends

What are your main hobbies besides football?

In my free time I love to read books about sports, any kind of sports not only football.

What is your favourite food?

My favourite food is definitely Chinese.

What is your favourite kind of music?

I like to listen to all kinds but my favourite is pop music.

Mention three things that you cannot live without.

Football, computer and my mobile.

Do you have a favourite quote or motto?

Yes, my favourite motto, and I use it all the time is that, I will never give up.

What motivates you most in life?

Knowing that after all the hard work, success will be there waiting. That surely motivates me to do my best.

Do you follow international football? If yes, which is your favourite nation when it comes to football, and which is your favourite club?

My favourite nation is Italy and my favourite club, which I support, is Juventus.

Who is your favourite player? Why?

My favorite player is Vidal. He is my favourite player because he is loyal to the club he plays with. He is a central midfielder like me, so I can see how he plays and do some of the stuff he does on the pitch.

What is your biggest fear on the pitch?

That I might get injured and also that I might do something wrong.

Can you tell us how you started playing football? Why did the choice fell on Birkirkara FC?

I started playing football with a school by the name of “Football Frenzy”. It was always my dad's dream to see me wearing the yellow and red stripes of Birkirkara. Birkirkara is a very successful club in Malta, so I decided to join them.

Just few weeks ago, you made your senior's team debut in the FA Trophy against St. Andrew's. What were your feelings?

I was nervous and excited but most of all I was very happy to be chosen in the squad for this match and much happier when I was called up to be involved in the game.

How are you feeling with the Club? How much help do you find from your team-mates especially when you train with the senior team?

I am really happy and satisfied with the Club. My team mates help me a lot and encourage me to do my best when I get called up with the senior's, and that is something that I must thank all of them.

Next Wednesday, the Under-19's team will be involved in a direct clash against Hibernians. What are your thoughts about the match?

It is a difficult game to face but if we stick together like we have been doing this season, the result will come to our side.

What are your comments about the last Under-19's match against Naxxar?

Like I said about my favourite motto, we didn't give up, and in the half time we showed how strong our character is and turned the result to our favour by winning 2-1

The Under 19's team is on an impressive streak of eleven straight victories. What have so far been the secret to success?

We are one team and all of us are pulling the same rope together and I must say that the atmosphere between us and the coach is amazing.

You are so near, yet so far, from winning the first ever title in the Youths' League. Do you believe that we can win the title? Why?

Yes, I am sure that if we stick together, and play the way we have been during the season, the league title will come to Birkirkara.

How would you describe the atmosphere in the dressing room?

Perfect. The atmosphere between us and the coach and also with our kit manager and helpers is perfect. We laugh and joke, but also are serious at the same time and that's why the results have been coming our way.

Who is your best team mate?

They all are, but if I have to choose, because of the position I play in, it has to be the attackers and wingers as I have to pass the ball to them.

What are your targets and the team's targets for this season?

My target is to keep on playing the way I am, so I can help my team mates, and also Birkirkara to win games. Our objective is to win the league without conceding another defeat or a draw.

Do you have a message for the supporters for today's match?

We would appreciate if you come and give us your support for this game, as it is a very important and decisive.

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