Before Memišević officially took over the no. 5, the number had belonged to Augusto, Matic and Ralph. He is well aware of the role and contribution of the players who have worn this number to this team before.
Memi said that a big reason for choosing to join Guoan is to prove herself. On a larger stage, joining forces with a coach he knows once again, he himself is full of expectations for the new season.
Q: You've been practicing with the team for a week, how are you feeling?
A: The mood is definitely very happy, especially after a long period of quarantine, joining the Beijing Guoan team, I feel that everyone in the team is friendly, the enthusiasm for training is also very high, and I look forward to a successful season.
Q: On the first day of joining the team, you responded to the gestures of your teammates very oriental, is it because you like the culture of the East?
A: Definitely, because this is my third year in China. At that time, I felt that everyone welcomed me very warmly, and I thought that I had to respond to everyone in a Chinese way, and I wanted to say that Chinese, but I felt that it was not a good time to speak, so I responded with gestures.
Q: Do you understand that the No. 5 jersey is legendary in Beijing Guoan?
A: I chose No. 5 not only because of his legendary role in Guoan, but also because I have been carrying the No. 5 shirt for 8-10 years. When I joined the team, I chose to see if I could pick no. 5. I definitely know what the No. 5 means in Guoan, and Renato Augusto was wearing the No. 5 when he was in the Guoan team.
Q: What do you think of your multi-functional attributes on the pitch?
A: Actually, I'm a centre-back, and it's okay to play at the back. Previously, I played mostly in the back under Xie Zhi's hands, and what position I will play in the new season also depends on the tactical needs of the head coach and the personnel structure of the team, in short, I will do my best to help the team.
Q: How do you evaluate the cooperation with Xie Feng's guidance again?
A: Coach Xie is a very friendly person and has a very good relationship with the team members. Our cooperation has been very successful before, and now the team is stronger after coming to Guoan, so I look forward to a more successful season in the new season.
Q: What were your impressions of the Beijing Guoan team before?
A: I have known before that Beijing Guoan has a deep historical tradition, ranking at the forefront of the Chinese Super League in terms of professionalism, club operation and player ability. After coming to the team, my feelings also confirmed this. I would like to say that Beijing Guoan is a big club with a foundation and a lot of professionalism.
Q: As a veteran who has played in the Chinese Super League for 2 years, how will you introduce the Chinese Super League to the new foreign aides in the team?
A: I think we still need to remind them more about the off-site affairs, as Europeans coming to China, they need to pay more attention to behavior and treatment. I will also help them in these areas and give them some advice. Of course, the new teammates are very cultured young people, I believe they will not have any problems in China, as long as they are at peace and show their abilities on the pitch, it will be a very successful season for them.
Q: Beijing fans have expressed a lot of expectations for your arrival and want to say something to them?
A: I can assure the Beijing fans that I'm here to prove myself. Any club I play for, I've worked 100% hard for them. Previously, I also received a lot of blessings from Beijing fans. I want to reward them with performances on the pitch.
Q: After coming to Beijing, how did you spend your short vacation in training?
A: After a long period of isolation, there are some large amounts of exercise training, which is definitely more tired. The holidays are important for my recovery. The weather in Beijing has been nice lately, and it would be nice to go out for a walk with my wife. The club has also recently advised us to pay strict attention to epidemic prevention and not to go to some high-risk areas, which is to protect ourselves and be responsible for the team.
Q: You mentioned your wife, what role does your family play in your life?
A: Throughout my career, my parents, my sister, and my wife have supported me tremendously, especially in the moments when my career is not going well, they have always encouraged me and helped me a lot. My parents are older, and I want them to live a long and healthy life so that I can spend more time with them.
Q: Apart from football, what other sports are you best at?
A: We in the Balkans are interested in all sports, and if we are engaged in professional sports, our desire to win is very strong. Unfortunately, I started practicing football since I was a child and didn't have time to do other sports, but I usually enjoy watching handball games.
Q: Ever thought you would retire in China one day?
A: I'm still young, I should be able to play a few more years, and I feel like I'm going to have a higher career. Step by step, see where life will take us.
Q: What do you want to do after you retire?
A: I think I'm still going to work in football, most likely to be a coach, so I'm starting to prepare now, starting to take some certificates first, and have the opportunity to transition to coaching.
(Source: "Beijing Guoan Football Club" WeChat public account)