Dimitar Mitov has revealed he decided in January to leave Aberdeen, a decision that culminated in his £450,000 move to German side St Pauli last week. The Bulgarian international spent two years at Pittodrie, during which he lifted the Scottish Cup and played in the group stages of European football.
Goals achieved at Aberdeen
Speaking in an exclusive Record Sport ‘In Conversation’ interview, Mitov admitted he had achieved his targets at Aberdeen. “When I signed for Aberdeen I had two targets in mind. I wanted to win a trophy and play in the European groups stage,” he said.
“The only thing left to achieve is winning the league and let’s be honest, that is very, very difficult to do. Hearts went so close last season, but I don’t think anyone will have a chance like this again. I probably knew around January that I was leaving. I knew I had to leave and I needed to leave.”
Managerial changes and injury battle
Aberdeen started the season under Jimmy Thelin, who was replaced by interim Peter Leven, before Stephen Robinson arrived from St Mirren to keep the club in the top-flight. Mitov was honest with Robinson from the start about his intentions.
“I have to say, the gaffer, Stephen Robinson, has been unbelievable for me. The amount of support and trust he has shown in me, I can’t repay,” Mitov said. “When he took the job, I was very honest with him. I said in the summer I would like to leave. He understood. I was very honest with him and he was very honest with me.”
Mitov was also struggling with a groin injury that required surgery. He recalled a moment early in Robinson’s tenure: “One of his first games was St Mirren away. He pulled me and said I want to show you respect, I am going to play PK (Per Kristian Bratveit). The game against St Mirren happened and in my head I was thinking, 'I am out of the team; I will go and get the surgery.'”
“I was barely training, I was on painkillers and I wasn’t right. I couldn't kick the ball and it was a difficult moment for me. I was hoping to get the surgery as soon as possible and I was speaking to the surgeon in London, but then football changes very quickly.”
Robinson's apology and promise
Despite poor performances, Robinson pulled Mitov into his office and apologised. “He didn’t need to apologise to me because he is the manager and he is getting paid to make decisions. For him to say that showed so much respect and I just couldn’t let the guy down,” Mitov said.
“He said play until we are safe then go and get your surgery. When it comes to the summer I will do everything I can to get you the best deal possible. I wanted to do that for him and the fans. I couldn’t leave the club knowing we were in the play-offs.”
Aberdeen secured their safety, and Mitov underwent surgery, but playing through the pain cost him extra time on the sidelines. “I wanted to help the team and I feel like I did that. We should never have been where we were and we needed to get out of that situation,” he said.
“When I had the surgery, the doctor told me it was much worse than we originally thought because I kept playing and it became worse and worse. I was meant to be four weeks and ended up being 12 weeks because I delayed the surgery.”
Win-win move to St Pauli
Robinson kept his word, helping Mitov secure the move to St Pauli, which also allowed Aberdeen to bring in Marius Muller. “He said I need to bring a goalkeeper to cover myself. I said that is absolutely fine by me and I told him if you need me then I will play for you,” Mitov recalled.
“He said, 'wherever you want to go I will speak to the board and help you to go'. When the offer came from St Pauli I wanted to take it and the board was happy with the offer, so here we are.”
Mitov was glad it was a win-win for all parties, as he remains grateful to Aberdeen. “Aberdeen did so much for me. They completely changed my career,” he said. “I became No.1 for my country, I have won a major trophy and played in Europe. I wanted the club to get as much money as possible and I wanted the best deal for both parties. I was happy that happened and all parties got what they wanted.”
