CSKA move thrills Priso

Njongo Priso is relishing the prospect of proving himself in a new league after securing a move to CSKA Sofia from AEK Larnaca.

His transfer to the Bulgarian giants represents another upward step in Priso’s career as the Cameroon winger joined AEK 18 months ago after a positive two-year spell with Valletta.

Speaking to The Times from Sofia, Priso said: “I believe it’s a very good move for me. CSKA Sofia are a big team and I’m delighted and proud to play for them.

“AEK Larnaca accepted CSKA Sofia’s offer because it was good for all parties. I had a very good time with AEK but I believe the time was right for me to move on.”

Priso has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with CSKA after passing a medical. He returned to Sofia yesterday after spending the weekend in Malta where he watched the goalless draw between Sliema Wanderers and Valletta.

“I arrived in Malta on Friday and left on Sunday,” Priso said.

“I came to see my wife and daughter as they’re in Malta at present as well as the many friends I have, especially at Valletta. I love Malta.”

Priso will head to Turkey with the rest of the CSKA Sofia squad for a training camp this week in preparation for the second part of the Bulgarian championship which resumes in the final week of February.

CSKA are sharing top spot with Ludogorets Razgrad on 36 points.

After enhancing his reputation in Cyprus, Priso has now set his sights on establishing himself in CSKA Sofia’s first team.

“It’s a very big challenge but I’m willing to go forward and continue to improve,” Priso said.

“CSKA are top of the Bulgarian league and I want to win the championship with them.”

According to reports, CSKA paid AEK Larnaca around €250,000 for Priso who was on the brink of joining Levski Sofia, CSKA’s bitter rivals, last summer.

“Levski were very interested,” Priso said.

“They made a bid last summer but AEK didn’t want to sell after we qualified for the Europa League. After our elimination, AEK Larnaca were prepared to let me go.”

Priso hopes that his move to Bulgaria will improve his chances of earning a call-up to the Cameroon squad but he also confessed that he harbours hopes of representing Malta.

“I want to play for Cameroon but I must admit that I also wish to get the chance to play for the national team of Malta,” Priso said.

“If I gain a Maltese passport, I would certainly be interested. I have many friends in Malta and I know most of the players in the national squad. Furthermore my wife is Maltese and Malta is my second home.”

Priso paid tribute to his former Maltese clubs, Valletta and Msida St Joseph, for their vital backing.

“I want to thank Victor Sciriha, the Valletta president, for all the things he’s done for me,” Priso said.

“I received a lot of support from Valletta FC and the fans. I also want to show my appreciation to Msida St Joseph as they were my first Maltese club.”

Priso is also grateful to Jordi Cruyff and AEK Larnaca for the faith they showed in him when they signed him from Valletta.

“I’m very grateful to Jordi Cruyff because he was the person who helped me move to AEK Larnaca,” Priso reflected.

“As I said, I enjoyed my time with AEK, they’re a very good club.

“I also want to thank the agent, Elias Elia, who played a key role in my transfer to CSKA Sofia.”

Priso is not the first player with Maltese connections to play in Bulgaria.

Former Valletta midfielder Stefan Giglio had a spell with CSKA Sofia in the early stages of his career while the likes of Daniel Bogdanovic, Justin Haber and current Sliema coach Danilo Doncic also played in the Bulgarian league.