Nicklas Bendtner Exclusive Interview - Nike Vapor Berry - 26/11/08
The SoccerBible is privileged enough to get an audience with man of the moment Nicklas Bendtner, fresh from scoring the winning goal for Arsenal against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League. Nicklas, who is currently THE talk of the football world, sat down with The SoccerBible to talk boot collections, scoring goals and diamond-encrusted boots - and why he's always wanted a pink boot...
SoccerBible: Growing up what were the football pitches like in Copenhagen?
Nicklas Bendtner: They were good. Outside the city, not so good. The pitches were very bumpy, not that good. When you are young, you don t mind though do you! You just want to play.
SoccerBible: English youngsters play football in the street and park with 'jumpers for goalposts', was this the same case in Denmark?
NB: Yeah definitely. I did it all the time. Put goals up or find a place to play. Kids still do that today around the world. We didn t play much in the street as if you fell over it was not fun! So we used to go a lot to the park.
SoccerBible: At what point was your talent spotted? When did you decide to concentrate on football as a life?
NB: I would like to say when I was 10, but I don t think it was that early. I was spotted by FC Copenhagen then and moved there. I started to take things more seriously, travelling a lot, training a lot.
SoccerBible: Did you always dream to play in the Premier League?
NB: I didn t really know much of the league when I was a kid. I knew some teams though. Arsenal, Barca and Real Madrid were the three teams I always wanted to play for. Now I am lucky enough to be at one of them and I am very happy about that. I always thought that my style suited the English game.
SoccerBible: Was Arsenal your preferred club, and what attracted you? Did John Jensen inspire your choice?!
NB: I could have joined a lot of clubs when I was 16. Arsenal was always the one. John didn t inspired me though (laughs).
SoccerBible: What attributes of your game and style help you be a top striker?
NB: I think being tall helps. My positioning is good and I think I am strong. These are all attributes of a good striker, I think.
SoccerBible: Which player, past or present, would you pick as your dream strike partner?
NB: Impossible. I don't know who to take. There are so many. Are you going to pick a quick player who can make the runs, or a player who can play killer passes? It s too hard to pick one player.
SoccerBible: Since you started playing, has boot technology influenced your game?
NB: Yeah definitely. I love the Mercurial Vapor. I used to play in leather only, but then Nike brought out the first Vapor and everything changed. As it has developed my feet have developed!
SoccerBible: Do you have any personalisation on your boots? If so, what does it mean?
NB: I have the Denmark flag and my name. Pretty self-explaining.
SoccerBible: What sole plate do you wear?
NB: The SL. I love it.
SoccerBible: What makes the Vapor stand out for you? Why have you chosen it over other boots, like a Laser or a Legend?
NB: The weight and different materials. It just seemed to fit on my foot really well. I think the style and everything reflects back on me, that is how I like a boot to look like.
SoccerBible: We love our football boots, do you keep a collection of them at home? If so, do you have a memorable pair?
NB: I have collected all the boots I have ever played in, every colour. I have them at home in Denmark. Every single colour of Vapor that has been produced. Since the very first one.
SoccerBible: You're obviously a fan of the Vapor, but what was your first impression of this pink version?
NB: I love it. I always wanted to play in a pink boot ever since I was young. I never saw anyone play in a boot like it. I think it's an outstanding colour and looks amazing.
SoccerBible: Is there a "bling boot" rivalry at Arsenal?! Will your team-mates like Emmanuel Adebayor, Theo Walcott, William Gallas et all be able to compete now with your pink Vapors?!
NB: No I don t think so! I have reached the top of outstanding boots! I think to beat these they will have to play in diamond-encrusted boots and I don t think that that is going to happen for a few years.
SoccerBible: You've got a great goals-to-games ratio for Denmark - can you describe what it feels like to score for your country?
NB: It's a great feeling. It's great to play and score for your country. You can see how far you in your career coming up against these type of players.
SoccerBible: Away from the Emirates, do you have a favourite ground? What makes it your favourite?
NB: I've been to the Bernabeau, I think after Arsenal that is great. I like the San Siro. Very nice.
Nicklas Bendtner wears the newly released Nike Mercurial Vapor Berry football boots, available now for a limited time at the World's Largest Online football Store, Pro Direct Soccer. You Better be quick if you want to get your hands on a pair
