FC St. Pauli

...his role models and dream of becoming a professional footballer:

"Zinedine Zidane made me love football. He was my idol from an early age. Later, I looked up to Franck Ribéry in footballing terms. It was incredible to see him play and his skill on the ball. When you start playing football as a kid, you dream of becoming a professional one day. I have to say, though, that I gave up on a career at an early age because I didn't have a classic education at a youth academy, so I'm absolutely delighted things eventually worked out."

...FC St. Pauli and Millerntor Stadium:

"I'd been to the Millerntor a few times. It's a special stadium with special fans who create an incredible atmosphere. It's unique and that's what makes the club what it is. As someone born and bred in Hamburg, I've always had a connection to FC St. Pauli, but it was a different world for me. I never thought I'd be playing for this great club one day."

...the interest from the club:

"I’d heard St. Pauli were watching me. To be honest, I was a bit surprised myself at first. In addition to the tension you always feel before a game, there was always some extra nervousness there because I never knew whether a scout was on the touchline keeping tabs on me and my performances. My agent kept me up to date, but I often called him as well to find out what the current status was because I really wanted to join St. Pauli! I'm over the moon it's finally happened and I'm here now."

Elias Saad made his first appearance for the club in the friendly at Union Berlin.

...his start with the Boys in Brown:

"The first few days were great. The lads gave me a warm welcome and showed me the ropes. It was a very special moment for me when I trained for the first time on such an impressive training ground complete and top pitch. As expected, I had to get used to the standard in the first few weeks. I was exhausted. I often went to bed early because the training was so intense. I wasn't scared, though, I was just glad to get going. I feel more assured now. I want to show how much I enjoy playing and I think you can see that on the pitch."

...his style of play:

"I feel most comfortable on the left wing. I can play to my strengths there, cutting inside or going past defenders on the left. I'm a street footballer who enjoys playing football and that characterises my style of play. I like to take defenders on and attach great value to good technique. The time spent playing futsal comes in handy there because they’re precisely the situations you get in the indoor game. You often have to escape pressure and tight situations and make the right decision and see where your teammates are."

...his first senior training camp and targets at FCSP:

"My first training camp with the senior squad is very special for me. The conditions here in Benidorm really are outstanding. It's very strenuous, very intense, but it's also so much fun. I'm looking forward to my first game at the Millerntor most of all, of course, but I take pleasure every day from the experience I’m gaining with the lads on the training ground. I want to go full throttle and help the team. We’re aiming to have a good second half of the season and pick up lots of wins."

Elias Saad during training in Benidorm, Spain.

Photos: FC St. Pauli