Interview with Azaouagh

(TheAtlasLions.com/14 June 2004) Mimoun Azaouagh the FSV Mainz 05 midfielder granted us an exclusive interview, the U21-German international talked about his life, career and why he chose to play for Germany.

1. Who is Mimoun Azaouagh?

- I am 21. I was born on 17 Novembre 1982 in Benisidel, Morocco. I am from a family of 8 people (3 boys and 3 girls), I am the second eldest in the family. I came to Germany when I was two months old only. I grew up in Frankfurt.

My father worked in the administration of the company Veba-Öl.

2. What are your hobbies?

- Besides football, I like playing tennis and hang out with my friends.

3. Are you satisfied with your spell at Mainz 05 ?

- I am feeling at ease here. Mainz 05 gave me the opportunity to become pro. Promotion to Bundesliga was a great achievement for us. Therefore I will move from Frankfurt where I live to Mainz because I feel at home here.

4. Did you have any offers for next season?

- Due our promotion every player of our team became interesting for other clubs, but I don't think about it that much as I am still under contract with Mainz and I am feeling well here.

5. What do you think of the achievement of the Atlas Lions during last African Cup of Nations?

-That's really surprised me. I followed the final match on tele. It's a good indication that Morocco have such a good team for the World Cup 2006. Especially a young team that could make a difference.

6. Which are the reasons for your choice for the German team above the Moroccan national team?

- The German team u21 was first to contact me. At that time we had the chance to qualify to the Euro championships that are held here in Germany. That's a great adventure for each player of the team.

Besides that we had the chance to qualify to the Olympic games in Athens, unfortunately luck was not with us.

7. Do you intend to play for Morocco someday?

- I will first focus on my club Mainz next season. At this moment I could not predict what will happen in the future. Legally that would be probably possible, but that is still too far away. In fact one never knows what will happen!

8. Who were the best players you play with and against?

- That would be my team-mate Michael Thurk who helped us promote to BUndesliga, We get along very well.

The best player I played against comes also from my team. It is our defender Mathias Abel, He knows my way of playing very well.

9. What are your strengths and weaknesses as soccer player?

- My strenght is my technique, ball skills and the way of play. On the other hand I need to work a little on my physique. In addition I need more frequently to try to shoot on target.

10. Do you have contact with other Moroccan football professionals in Germany?

- Yes, with Abdelaziz Ahanfouf, since when he played in Mainz, with Youssef Mokhtari, because he originates from the same region as me, and with Nasir El Kasmi, who plays now with the MSV Duisburg, I know him from the period when he used to play for Bavarian Leverkusen

11.Do you often visit Morocco? How do you feel there? I have not unfortunately visited Morocco for eight years now. Football mostly prevented me that I could be there. But I felt always very at ease there, because I have a very large family in Morocco

12. . A last word for the fans of our website TheAtlasLions.com ?

- I hope we meet, when Morocco plays in World Cup 2006 in Germany.

A big thanks to Mimoun Azaouagh who took the time to make this interview and good luck to him with his career.