“I didn't see a future here with football”

On the occasion of the Europa League match between Red Star and FCSB, Gazeta Sporturilor visited Novak Martinovic in Belgrade. The former defender revealed that he currently owns two restaurants in the Serbian capital.

VIDEO. Novak Martinovic: “I don't see a future in Serbian football”

Retired from his football career in 2019, Novak Martinovic entered the business world. Although he obtained his coaching license and was a second coach in the Serbian first league, the former defender does not see a future in Serbian football. He currently owns two restaurants in Belgrade.

I am dealing with two restaurants that I have opened, the third one is coming. With football I tried, I was a second coach in the first league for the smaller teams. I've tried, I've been, that's my love, but right now I don't see a future in Serbian football. After, you don't know, I have the license, I can go anywhere, anything is possible in life. Football is growing every day, I left the phenomenon for two years, and football has changed a lot.

– Novak Martinovic, for GSP

Asked if it is more stressful to be a restaurant manager than a footballer, the Serbian answered immediately.

“In the beginning I opened with the thoughts of a footballer. To open somewhere where I can drink coffee and have money. After a few months I saw that it's not like that, in reality it's different. I have 75 people in two restaurants, it's a big obligation. Everything is different. When I played football it was the most beautiful time, I only thought about myself and to give 100% in every training and every match”, he declared.

At this moment, Martinovic is not tempted to open a location in Bucharest as well.

“Not now. Now I have a 12-year-old daughter and I'm not leaving Serbia in the coming years. After, it's possible,” concluded the former defender of the two teams.

52of matches at FCSB. 8 goals and 4 assists.

Novak Martinovic remained in the hearts of the supporters / photo: GSP Archive