skrapid.at: Can you remember the song the Rapid fans blasted out for you on your debut on the 7th July 1999 against Bregenz?Dejan Savicevic: Yeah sort of, but not exactly.We're happy to help jog your memory. A lung busting rendition of Dej-an Sa-vi-ce-vic came from the West Stand to the tune of La Donna è mobile from Verdis Opera "Rigoletto".That's right!Or: Dej-o, dej-ej-ej-o to Harry Belafontes Banana Boat Song. Any help?I've got loads of great memories from my two years in Vienna, not only the musical highlights. I look back fondly on those years. I could play with freedom again. Rapid was a great final chapter to my career.The Rapid faithful gave you a reception befitting a messiah. One of the banners read: Rapid with Savicevic - better than sex. Did you expect such an incredible welcome?Honestly, no. I knew that Rapid was one of the best addresses in Europe. It didn't matter which of my friends I spoke to they all said I should join. But the fans were something else. Atmosphere, choreography, the ability to excite. It was warm and welcoming like in Italy and I felt at home instantly.Do you still keep an eye on the latest goings on with Rapid?Of course! Through the press, plus with my countryman Branko Boskovic I've got an inside man! We speak to each other and see each other on a regular basis. I saw Branko last week at our friendly against Luxembourg for example.Then you've probably heard about the new club President Michael Krammer's ambitious plans. He's reaching out to Rapid's global fan base and is looking to acquire 10,000 new members. Do you think that is realistic?Why not? If any club manages to draw out passion in people its Rapid. No other club in Austria can do that. Only a handful of clubs in Europe can do that. So, are you already an official Rapid member?I spent some great years in Vienna. I've still got friends in the club and we're in regular contact. Of course I accepted the offer. Being a Rapid member is an honour for me. What's your opinion on Krammer's vision of transforming Rapid back into a top 50 European club?That a club with the reputation Rapid has belongs in that group just isn't up for debate. Back in my day the club also had lofty targets. At the time we were after Champions League football. The question is how do you achieve the goals.Do you have any formulas for guaranteed success?No, football changes way too quickly. How about a suggestion?Rapid needs to invest in youth, there's no short cuts. That's the future. Reference the future: what plans do you have?I'm the President of the Montenegro Football Association. We were hoping to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil, but fell just short. Unfortunately. We've got lots of quality players like Jovetic and Vucinic to name just two. The qualification for the Euro's in France is just round the corner and that's our next goal. Is Branko Boskovic going to be involved?Branko is one of our most experienced players. I actually played with him for a while at Red Star Belgrade. He's a character on the field and an exemplary athlete. Unfortunately he's been injured recently.  Your son plays too, doesn't he?Vlado plays in our home town Podgorica. I also started out at FK Budućnost Podgorica. I tend to have a lot on, but when I get the chance I watch his matches.So, will we see you again then at a Rapid game at some point?Its not possible at the moment, but in the new year I'll definitely come down for a visit. I've already promised a couple of friends. To finish with then one last question relating to your title. Where did the name "The Genie" come from?(with a cheeky grin) Its a name a journalist from the Gazzetta dello Sport called Germano Bovolenta coined back in 1993. Since then its just stuck and everyone in the media used it.Dejan Savicevic, welcome to the Rapid family! (gw)
28.11.2013