Roony Bardghji on his Champions League debut and Parken noise
Roony Bardghji fulfilled a boyhood dream when, aged just 16, he made his UEFA Champions League debut against Sevilla last month.
And the youngster says he isn't intimidated by the possibility of coming up against Borussia Dortmund in the final group game of the campaign in Parken tonight.
"My first Champions League game in Sevilla was a big moment in my life,," says Bardghji. "It has always been my dream since I was very little. It was a great experience and I'm very happy.
"For my family it was also huge, and of course they are proud and happy on my behalf.
Age not a barrier
Bardghji will soon turn 17 but remains the youngest player in the FCK squad. Yet he says age isn't a barrier when it comes to competing for the Lions.
"I'm the youngest in the team, but it's not something I think about very much. I'm just trying to play," he adds.
"I'm here for a reason. Of course they treat me differently, I can't lie about that. Of course, because I'm 16, they tease me and tell me to do this and that. They mean it lovingly, of course, and are nice to me. So there is no problem with that. It's normal that because I'm 16, they look at me differently.
"But I have never felt pressured by the fact that I am younger than those I play on a team with, or those we play against. I just try to go out and do my thing, I'm used to that now. I try to learn as much as possible from every match I play and improve that way."
FCK take on Dortmund in Parken at 9pm this evening. And Bardghji is hoping to make an impact.
"The match against Dortmund in Parken is of course huge, and we're guaranteed an intense atmosphere," says Bardghji.
"We are experiencing massive support in Parken right now. It would be a great game to play in. Dortmund are a really good team who are difficult to beat, so everyone in our squad is excited to see how the game unfolds.
"In our recent matches we've delivered some great performances and we have seen progress in our game. I hope we continue in this way and use it in our game against Dortmund. Of course, it won't be easy to win, but we will do our best. You never know which turn the match could take."
FCK fans boost the team
Once more a full Parken awaits the teams this evening, and Bardghji is looking forward to hearing the noise from the fans again.
"I believe the fans have a big influence on the performance of the players," he says. "For example, the match against Sevilla and against AGF in Parken, where the fans were wild. And I know the fans give the team a boost.
"I really enjoy watching the supporters from down on the pitch. The feeling I get when I see and hear them is totally special and cannot be described."