“I want to prove myself!”

Berlin – From one capital city to the next—from Amsterdam via London to Berlin—despite his young age Daishawn Redan has already lived in three impressive metropolitan cities. The 18-year-old is Hertha’s third new signing of the summer and has since arrived at the Spree, much to the delight of the Blue-Whites. After undergoing a medical and signing his contract, the striker took the time for his first interview with herthabsc.de, where he spoke about the reasons behind the transfer, friendships and his role models.

herthabsc.de: Daishawn, welcome to Hertha BSC! After stops in Amsterdam and London, now you’re in Berlin. Do you have a thing for capital cities in particular?

Daishawn Redan: To be honest, this is my first time being in Berlin (laughs). But I have heard a lot about the city and have felt very welcome here since arriving. I’m looking forward to getting to know Berlin better.

herthabsc.de: Jokes aside, there were many offers for you even from within the Bundesliga. Why did you decide to come here?

Daishawn Redan: Hertha BSC offered me the best perspective. During our discussions, I had the feeling that I could come here to take the next step. I want to prove myself within the first team and play in the Bundesliga. It’s a strong league but I want to get my share of playing time and score some goals. After my first season is over, I want to be able to say that I’ve become a better player. That’s my goal.

herthabsc.de: Karim Rekik and Javairo Dilrosun, both of who you have already played with on your country’s U19 squad, are two Dutchmen within our squad.

Daishawn Redan: Javairo and I know each other from Amsterdam. He is a bit older and was always in a team above me, but we’ve always gotten along well and spent a lot of time together off the pitch. He’s a good friend of mine. I don’t know Karim personally, only his development. Now, I just want to get to know my new teammates as soon as possible, which is something I’m looking forward to.

herthabsc.de: You played for the youth academies at both Ajax Amsterdam and FC Chelsea. Tell us about your development. What makes the Ajax academy so special, and who did you train with in London?

Daishawn Redan: I was 8 years old when I came to Ajax and learned how to play football there from a young age. I went to England when I was 16. In the beginning, it wasn’t easy. I didn’t speak the language well, my family was far away and I didn’t know what it was like to live in another country. But, after four, five months I felt more at home. In some regards, English football is quite different from Dutch football: both are possession based, but things are a lot more physical on the island (smiles).

herthabsc.de: You proved you can score goals during your time with the U18, U19 and U23 squads at Chelsea. What contact did you have with the first team?

Daishawn Redan: Chelsea are a big club, not just in England. I only trained once with the first team, which was something really special for me: it was an honour to get to train alongside players like David Luiz or Eden Hazard. They helped me find my way and were all very laidback. Hazard is a world class player, and I always enjoy watching him play. Patrick Kluivert is a role model of sorts for me. I like to attack early in order to turn around and score. That’s what it’s about!

herthabsc.de: What about off the pitch? What should one know about you?

Daishawn Redan: I like to watch movies but also enjoy reading books, especially biographies about footballers—right now I’m reading Memphis Depay’s new book about his time at Manchester United. But I also like to chill and play FIFA. My brother has come with me to Berlin; he’s 26. I’m excited to get started here!