Michael Lahdo left Hammarby for Alkmaar.
Now he talks about choosing the club, for the first time in the Netherlands, what Hammarby means to him and the family’s surprise party to celebrate the contract with AZ – before his signature.
– I knew nothing about it and was really surprised, says Haddou.
It was clear last week that 19-year-old Michael Lahdou would be leaving Hammarby for Alkmaar.
The Dutch club buys us Lado in a transfer deal worth about seven million kroner. When Sportbladet arrived in Lahdo, he had just finished a training session with AZ.
– I signed the contract last week and since then I’ve been here and trained. Some players haven’t come here yet, those who have walked the road with every national team.
– Among other things, Jesper Karlsson has not yet called, he says.
“My dream has always been to play outside Sweden”
When was it first discovered? AZ Alkmaars benefit?
– It is already late, as at the end of May. I knew there were a couple of other foreign clubs who were also interested, but when AZ came into the picture, it felt right from the start.
What made you choose AZ?
My dream has always been to play outside Sweden and I feel Arizona is a very good move for me. It’s a very good club, very professional here, everyone is very welcome and kind from day one.
The facilities are great and the Eredivisie seems like a good move for me.
What is the short term goal?
– The goal now is to play as much as possible, join the team and do it as best as possible in every training. I’ll take it day by day and not bother.
“Great time in Hammarby”
What do you think of the time in Hammarby?
I had a great time at Hammarby and I have the club to thank for everything. It lifted me up and made me the player I am today. Of course, it was hard to leave the club I love so much, but when I got that chance at AZ, I felt right to jump on it.
– For me, it’s a dream come true, and that way it wasn’t hard to say no.
How did your thoughts go when you chose as a young man to leave to play matches abroad in a good league like the Eredivisie?
– Of course you think a lot. What happens if I am not allowed to play etc. At the same time, they clearly showed that they wanted me and I feel that I have confidence in success and that I wanted to take this opportunity.
A clip is circulating on Tiktok where your family surprises you by celebrating your contract with AZ Alkmaar. So they really let you prepare from the ground up?
– Haha, I actually don’t know anything about that. I was surprised and thought I would go home to meet them. But then they surprised me with a party instead.
– She was so funny.
But you didn’t sign when they celebrated you?
– No, I didn’t do that. Lido says while laughing, but things went well anyway.