I can be proud. Connection with fans? From the first minute
"I will remember many ups and downs. Eight years of hard work, surprises, and many successes. I will remember it as a beautiful part of my life, my football career. This is how I will always remember Slavia," says Mick van Buren as he bids farewell.
You are leaving with nine trophies, are you proud?
"It was eight long years, part of which I spent on loan, then I came back. But I always fought hard to return and play for Slavia again. The successes we achieved were wonderful. Nine trophies is really a lot; I can be and am satisfied."
I totally understand...
"Now I just hope that Slavia will return to the top spot in the coming years and add more trophies beyond the ones we won together."
Mick van Buren and Alexander Bah lifting the third Slavia title in three years in summer 2021.
Tell us about the most memorable and strongest moments.
"I would highlight several strong moments, each associated with different feelings. Of course, the goal against Sevilla, the entire match, is number one for me. As a child, you dream of the Champions League, so I must not forget my debut in this competition."
Anything else?
"And thirdly, definitely my comeback from Liberec to Slavia, which gave me an incredible amount of energy for the entire season. It was a great feeling to experience the Slavia fans again. For me, an amazing moment. So, these three moments I will always remember."
Let´s talk about the fans, did you enjoy their support? You were a fan favorite.
"I think my connection with the fans started from my debut. From the first moment I started playing, I felt that synergy. I realized that what I was showing on the pitch, they appreciated."
Your playing style and commitment resonated with their DNA.
"Exactly. They realized that I was helping the team. They liked it. I felt their support even after I got injured; they supported me. This strengthened my relationship with them, it was mutual. And beautiful."
Van Buren joining fans after his maiden goal for Slavia in 2017.
"It was a preparatory match, of course, scoring a goal was nice. But in the last half-year, we wanted to win some trophies, more successes than we achieved. This could have been better. Overall, I am happy with everything I showed here. I think I can be proud of these eight years. And that the fans appreciated what I did here. And I am, of course, very grateful for everything."
Mick van Buren in his last game in red and white – the pre-season friendly against Podbrezová in July 2024.
What are your hopes for Cracovia?
"From my Polish adventure, I expect a new league, a new city. I am looking forward to a new competition after eight years in the Czech Republic. It is something I think I need at this stage of my career."
I understand.
"I am 31 years old; physically, I feel excellent. I want to play many matches and hopefully show in the Polish league what I know I am capable of."
Any final message?
"I want to thank everyone who helped me during these eight years. Especially with my injuries. Physiotherapists, fitness trainers—without them, I would never have reached the level I am at now. It helped me a lot. I have never met guys who work as hard as they do. They travel with the team, aren´t with their families, work extremely hard. All those who know who I am talking about will always be with me. I will always remember them. Thank you very much!"
Celebrating a goal against Viktoria Plzeň in front of the Tribuna Sever in 2023.
