Matteo Pérez Vinlöf reveals in a big interview how he has settled in Zagreb, what he thinks about qualifying for the Champions League, and why Thomas Tuchel teased him about the name on his shirt.
When he signed with Dinamo in June last year, few could have guessed that Matteo Pérez Vinlöf would become one of the key players in the blue dressing room just 14 months later. Today, the 20-year-old left-back from Stockholm, whose father is Peruvian and mother Swedish, revealed in an interview with Sportske novosti how he has adapted to life in Croatia, who has helped him the most in his development, and why he believes Dinamo can secure a spot in the Champions League.
Fate had an interesting script in store for the young Swede. In late May, just a few weeks before becoming a Dinamo player, Pérez Vinlöf attended the wedding of his former Bayern teammate, Lovro Zvonarek, near the Blue and Red Lakes in Imotski. "At that moment, I knew nothing about Dinamo's interest in me. But when I heard about it, it was 'crazy' because I had been in Croatia just a week before," he recalls.
He has only praise for Croatian weddings: "I liked it. It was special. Music was playing constantly, and we danced for hours. We were all outside, then inside, then dancing again... Very good." Besides Zvonarek, he had other Croatian friends at Bayern, Ljubo Puljić and Anthony Pavlešić, with whom he also talked about Dinamo, but he says there wasn't much need for conversation "because everyone knows about Dinamo."
Although he admits his speaking isn't the best, Pérez Vinlöf already understands almost all of the coach's instructions. "No, they didn't teach me those bad words in the locker room; I use those in my own language if I have to," he says with a laugh. Adjusting to Zagreb was made easier by the Swedish furniture store in the east of the city, where he says he's already been three times. "I went to get furniture, so I took the opportunity, why not? And the ćevapi are good, I have to admit."
In the dressing room, he was given the nickname Peru, which he didn't like at first but has come to accept over time. Zagreb residents, he says, have recognized him on the street: "They are very kind, I've only had positive experiences; they tell me I'm good and to keep it up."
Pérez Vinlöf shares minutes at left-back with Bruno Goda, and he describes their relationship as extremely healthy and motivating. "Bruno is a great guy, a true professional. He's also helped me develop; I can never relax. We have healthy competition, and I really respect him," he emphasizes. Although he's already recorded two assists at the start of the season, he's still waiting for his first goal: "I hope it comes soon. I've been close a few times, had a few runs, but it's not that important to me. What matters is that we win and play well."
When it comes to ambitions for this season, he doesn't hide his optimism: "I have a very good feeling. It would be a dream come true because it's the biggest competition, and it would be the greatest thing in my career so far. We're all fighting for it; it would be great if we could achieve it." Still, he's aware the team has room for improvement, especially after the first half against Thun in Switzerland: "We weren't focused for all 90 minutes, but I believe we're capable of it."
Before joining Dinamo, Pérez Vinlöf spent time at Bayern, where he shared a dressing room with world stars. "Everything happened so fast; I was very young and wasn't aware of everything. I had a fantastic year, made friends for life, and adopted winning habits at one of the biggest clubs," he recalls. Of all the stars, Jamal Musiala impressed him the most: "He was incredible."
He also fondly remembers a moment with Thomas Tuchel before his debut for Bayern's first team. "I remember he was giving me instructions, and then he asked me why I had both surnames on my shirt; he said it was too long, ha, ha, that I should just put one, but I insist on both."
At Dinamo, he shares a room with Scot Scott McKenna, with whom he gets along excellently despite differences in age and background. "You can guess... Ha, ha, just kidding, he's good. We're very close, even though the dynamic is unusual because we're different ages, backgrounds, personalities, but we get along great." According to him, McKenna is also the ideal candidate to try the traditional Swedish delicacy surströmming, known as the world's smelliest fish. "He looks like the type who would like it," says Pérez Vinlöf, who himself admitted that the fermented herring has a "really unpleasant smell."
He will forever remember his debut at Maksimir in August last year against Vukovar, and not just because of football. The Bad Blue Boys put on a spectacular choreography to mark the 30th anniversary of the victory in the Homeland War, complete with flares and cannon blasts. "No, never. We have the best fans; we're happy and privileged. I remember that match and the 'bombs'; I was really scared. I even jumped in the middle of the game after one blast, ha, ha, I remember it exactly. It was scary but also spectacular," he concluded.
While Pérez Vinlöf continues to deliver strong performances, Dinamo has also completed a new transfer. Nineteen-year-old Noah Nsoki has arrived from PSG, playing as a left winger and attacking midfielder. Born in Tournan-en-Brie near Paris, Nsoki won two U19 French league titles with the Parisian club, last season's senior Ligue 1 title, and the Trophée des Champions. He will wear the number 77 shirt at Dinamo.
On Sunday at 6:30 PM at Maksimir, there's also the historic final of the Ramljak26 tournament against Ajax, the last match on the main pitch before the stadium is demolished. Admission is free for all fans, and the West Stand opens at 5:30 PM.
