2014-12-02 23:11:02

In the beginning of September, a Uruguaian midfielder named Pablo Ceppelini made his way onto Universitatea's roster after having previously played for teams such as Cagliari and NK Maribor. The 23 year old caught the fans' attention in a home match against Viitorul with a superb goal. He has also scored in every Romanian Cup match that he's played in including a double against FC Brașov. Univeristatea's number 11 sat down for an interview with the fans' site and shared his thoughts, impressions and goals for the future. 

ucluj.ro: Up until now, you've played in Uruguay, Italy, Slovenia, and, most recently, Romania. What do you think are some of the major differences among the four leagues?

Pablo Ceppelini: Romanian and Uruguayan football are quite similar. As far as Slovenian and Italian football go, these leagues are more diverse and focused on tactics, but, fortunately, I'm excited to be adapting so well to Romanian football!

ucluj.ro: You came to Cluj in the beginning of September. How was the transition to life here as well as to Romanian football?

Pablo Ceppelini: It went really well. The truth is both the team and the staff were on good terms with me from the beginning. Life here is quite similar to that in Uruguay as far as day-to-day life and food are concerned and, like I previously said, I'm adpating well to Romanian football!

ucluj.ro: What has impressed you the most during your time here in Cluj?

Pablo Ceppelini: To be honest, I didn't know much when I came like how many Romanians speak Spanish which is quite helpful for me. The people her are quite friendly; they're always trying to help out. You would think otherwise, but I'm really happy in Cluj.

ucluj.ro: Which players have inspired your style of play?

Pablo Ceppelini: I really like technical players like Javier Pastore and Neymar that are technically gifted, but, right now, I'm growing as a player with still a lot to work on!

ucluj.ro: As you've mentioned in other interviews, you've had the chance to meet Luis Suarez, who currently plays for Barcelona. What qualities do you think have helped him become a great player?

Pablo Ceppelini: His work ethic and constant sacrifice have helped him become the player that he is today. He's an elite player and I'm proud that he's Uruguayan.

ucluj.ro: What convinced you to sign with Universitatea this fall and how long did you sign for?

Pablo Ceppelini: I've signed with Universitatea Cluj for 3 years. I'm very thankful to be here and also quite excited about the project here.  No one told me anything about Romania. I took my fate in my own hands and came here. It's the best thing that I've done for myself. 

ucluj.ro: What are your objectives for the team this season?

Pablo Ceppelini: Right now, we need to avoid relegation. We're going through some tough times, but I think we'll manage. We'll turn things around!

ucluj.ro: You've had 11 caps for the Uruguay U-20 National team and managed to score two goals. Do you think that you can make your debut for the National team playing at Universitatea?

Pablo Ceppelini: I think I need to play at high level for the team here and then wait to be called up. It depends a lot on the national team's staff. I work as hard as I can.

ucluj.ro: Right now, Universitatea is still in all three domestic competitions: the league, the Romanian Cup, and the League Cup. In your opinion, what are the chances that, at the end of the season, Universitatea manages to stay in the first division as well as play or maybe even win one of the domestic cups?

Pablo Ceppelini: Yes, we're still in all three competitions and we hope that we'll win a cup. We're working towards this with a lot of enthusiasm as well as sacrfice. The team has a lot of faith in our chances. We're on the right track!

ucluj.ro: In the Romanian Cup, you've scored in both of the matches that you've played in. Universitatea will face Pandurii Tărgu-Jiu, the team that you made your debut against in the league, in the next round of the cup. Can Universitatea hope to advance to the semifinals?

Pablo Ceppelini: I think so. It'll be a tough game. They have a good team, but we really want to make it to the semifinals. Also, we're playing at home. We need to win this one for the fans!

ucluj.ro: Those who went to the exhibtion match between Universitatea's football and basketball teams were surprised at your basketball skills. Have you played a lot of basketball previously or another sport before committing to football?

Pablo Ceppelini: When I was a kid, I played basketball in my country. I've always had an knack for sports like tennis and ping-pong. I've always liked playing these sports. The basketball team was quite friendly with us!

ucluj.ro: What are your hobbies and how do you spend your free time?

Pablo Ceppelini: Here, in Cluj, I usually stay at home and play Playstation or go out for a bite or dine!

ucluj.ro: How would you describe the Pablo Ceppelini in a few words?

Pablo Ceppelini: A quiet guy with no vices who really likes football, traveling, and music.

ucluj.ro: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Pablo Ceppelini: I don't know. Let's hope that I'll play for the national team and in another league for a team like Barcelona!

ucluj.ro: What would you like to tell the fans via ucluj.ro?

Pablo Ceppelini: To stay calm because we'll get out of this bad run of form and that we feel their support wherever we play! I'll give everything for these colors! LET'S GO "U"!!

Personal Info

Name: Pablo Daniel Ceppelini Gatto

Date of Birth: September 11th, 1991

Height: 180 cm

Position: Attacking midfielder

Teams that he's played for: Bella Vista; Cagliari; Lumezzane (on loan); NK Maribor; FC Universitatea Cluj

Goals scored: 12 in total; 1 of which was in Liga 1 and 3 of which were in the Romanian Cup

Yellow Cards: 15

Debut in Liga 1: October 10, 2014 in FC Universitatea Cluj - CS Pandurii Tărgu-Jiu (2-0).

Violeta Merie