Hearts January signing Jordi Altena has shared his delight at securing the move this month and admitted he can’t wait to take on Celtic and Rangers.
De Telegraaf have an interview with the right-back today. He is clearly thrilled to have moved to Derek McInnes’ Hearts from RKC Waalwijk this month.
The Scottish side paid €1.2m to sign him from the Dutch side a week ago. They immediately threw him into the deep end for the clash against Livingston and were instantly rewarded as he provided an assist in the 1-0 win.
It was a big moment for the 22-year-old and confirmation early on that Hearts may be on to a winner. Altena was certainly left impressed too, as the fans instantly made his dreams come true.
“When the speaker shouted, ‘make some noise’ and everyone in the stadium went wild, I got goosebumps all over my body. This was the dream I had in mind,” he admitted.
The focus is now on building on a strong start to life with the Scottish side. Hearts are currently top of the Scottish Premiership, three points ahead of Rangers and six ahead of Celtic in third.
It could be a huge season for them and Altena’s introduction this month is certainly aimed at strengthening their current position.
He’ll get his first taste of taking on Celtic later this month. Hearts then travel to Ibrox to take on Rangers on 15th February. Those are games he can’t wait to be a part of.
Move to Hearts is wonderful adventure
“It’s a wonderful adventure, and I really wanted to go abroad,” he added.
“I think I’m a good example for other guys who are now in the same situation as I was back then. You just have to understand that life in amateur football will be completely different for a whole year. Looking back, it all seems so smooth. That’s how it might seem.
“But I didn’t go to school and suddenly had a lot more free time. I played with some guys who no longer had that professional dream and were just working on the side. I only earned some extra money by training at a football school. But I always thought no, I’m going to make it. It requires a strong mentality. I’m glad I never gave up.”
