Leoni: "I feel a lot of pride"

INTERVIEWS This afternoon, at age 22, it finally happened: Theo Leoni got to make his debut for Anderlecht's first team. "I feel an enormous pride, also for my family," he said after the match. "I had been waiting for this for a long time. I had to be very patient."


"I felt that the more experienced players, like Van Crombrugge, supported me. They put me at ease," Leoni said. "I did feel stress, but that was positive stress and eager. The fans gave me a boost and I wanted to give them something back. As an Anderlecht player, you have to have guts. We were trained for that. We must not hide."

Leoni has had a professional contract for years and has also been a key player with the U23 for years. He is what is called a late bloomer. "At U23, I have always been the captain. I am a leader, positive in attitude and always do my best."