One the eve of his AFC Champions League debut, Alex Baumjohann revealed playing continental football was a big factor in his decision to sign with Sky Blues in 2019.
Baumjohann said featuring in Asia’s most prestigious club competition was a level he wants to play at consistently, as the German said he’d been eyeing off the tournament since his arrival into the country.
“I am very excited playing in this competition. It was a big part of the decision to move to Sydney FC because I wanted to play it every season,” Baumjohann said.
“The AFC Champions League is the biggest competition in Asia. I came to Australia with the expectation of playing in this competition so I’m very happy that I can achieve that on Wednesday night.”
Baumjohann is well versed in continental football, having played in the UEFA Champions League for Shalke 04 against the likes of Manchester United and Inter Milan, reflecting fondly on achieving an aspiration of all European footballers.
“The [UEFA] Champions League is the main competition and is a dream for every footballer to play, including me,” he said.
“Since I was young I had always wanted to play the UEFA Champions League and I achieved that dream.
“I really enjoyed the time in the UCL and hopefully I can enjoy the AFC Champions League as well.”
The 33-year-old praised the Sky Blues squad following their impressive season in the Hyundai A-league as the club enters their sixth AFC Champions League campaign.
“I think for all of us it’s something really special,” he said.
´After playing in the [Hyundai] A-League and doing a great job this year we are looking forward and are very excited to play AFC Champions League football.
“We have a very strong team and our target is to make the next round, and if we continue what we’ve been doing already this season we’ll have a very good chance.”
Sydney FC take on Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday 19th February at Nissan Stadium, Yokohama (kick off 9:30pm AEDT).
Watch on Fox Sports Channel 505 or Follow @SydneyFC on Twitter for live updates from the clash.
The Sky Blues return to continental action at home at Jubilee Stadium against Korean Champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC on March 4. Secure you seats to see Sydney FC take on Asia’s best.
