"Very impressed by RBL" - El Aynaoui's first interview as a Red Bull
· Yahoo Sports
Neil El Aynaoui completed a deadline-day move to RB Leipzig, as the club were able to strengthen their midfield with the addition of the 25-year-old.
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In his first interview since joining the Red Bulls on loan from AS Roma, the Morocco international spoke about his style of play, famous teammates and his reasons for choosing the number 21.
Welcome to RB Leipzig, Neil. What made you decide to join the Red Bulls?
- Neil: "Thank you. It was always a dream of mine to play in the Bundesliga for a big club like RB Leipzig. My initial talks with the club left me with a good feeling and I was very impressed by RBL."
You've chosen the number 21 here. We've heard that there's a special reason behind your decision...
- Neil: "I chose the number 21 because my younger brother was born on 21st August. So I chose it for him."
Many RBL fans won't have seen you play before. Can you describe what you're like as a player?
- Neil: "I'd call myself a hybrid player. I can play at a number of different positions in midfield. I like being able to help out both in attack and defence, as well as running hard in order to help the team."
Achraf Hakimi (formerly of Borussia Dortmund, now at PSG) is one well-known Morocco international to have previously played in the Bundesliga, with Ismael Saibari also now at FC Bayern München. Did you speak to either of them before your move to Leipzig?
- Neil: "Yes, of course. I spoke a lot with both of them. They told me plenty of good things about the Bundesliga and Germany. They were one of the reasons that helped me decide to join RB Leipzig. I even spent some of my summer vacation with Ismael in the south of France. We obviously talked a lot about football during that time."
The games against Ismael and FC Bayern will therefore be of great significance to you, right?
- Neil: "Yes, we've already spoken about this to each other. I'm really looking forward to these games."
As a kid, you played in Spain, before later moving to France and Italy. How many languages do you speak?
- Neil: "I'm fluent in French, Spanish and English. I also know a little Italian. I'm now looking forward to learning another new language, namely German. Hopefully I'll be able to get started soon."
Andrés Iniesta is one of your role models. What do you like most about him?
- Neil: "I grew up in Barcelona when Iniesta was still playing. I always watched his videos and games and kept a close eye on what he was doing on the pitch. I also enjoyed watching other players, however, and I was able to learn several things from them as well. I then tried to implement those things on the pitch myself."
You've already featured in the Champions League and recently took part in the World Cup with Morocco. What's been the biggest highlight of your career so far?
- Neil: "Representing Morocco at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico was just incredible. It was a dream come true, and the biggest highlight of my career so far. Now, I've got a new challenge to look forward to at RB Leipzig. I can hardly wait."
What was your favourite moment at the World Cup?
- Neil: "There are several that I can think of. Our first game against Brazil was unbelievable. If I had to pick just one game, then I'd say the one against the Netherlands. To beat such a big team on penalties in the knockouts was something really special. Several players on our team have roots in the Netherlands. I will never forget this moment."
Finally, what would you like to say to the RBL fans?
- Neil: "I'm very happy to be part of this club now. I'm excited to get underway and can't wait to see you all soon at the Red Bull Arena!"
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