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Jhon Córdoba left Colombia at the age of 18 and has left his mark with his goals in the countries in which he has played. Currently, this 30-year-old from Choco is a figure for Krasnodar in Russia and has just scored in the Colombian National Team’s last friendly against Romania. We spoke with him about his stellar moment and his aspirations with the Tricolor for the Copa América, to which he hopes to be called up.
Is it the best moment of your career?
“I have had very good moments, in Germany, now also in Russia, where I enjoy playing football much more. I am at a moment in which I have reached an important maturity and experience that has given me the ability to do things better and I am really enjoying everything.”
How have you managed to adapt so easily, first to Germany and then to Russia?
“The family issue has been fundamental in that, being supported by them. That makes me adapt as quickly as possible and I am very happy to have achieved it in every country I have been to.”
How do you get along with the other Latin Americans in Krasnodar?
“There are quite a few of us, there are many Brazilians and now there is also Kevin Castaño, who has also done very well in the National Team and we all try to get along as best as possible.”
How has your relationship been with Kevin Castaño, the other Colombian on the team?
“Very good. Having a compatriot here is a relief, because we support each other a lot and it is always nice to have him by our side and even more so if we get along so well.”
Has it come your time to shine with the National Team after having scored your first goal against Romania?
“I am very happy about what happened, it is something that has been fought for and expected and it is thanks to the opportunity that the teachers have given me and the support of my classmates. Scoring that goal against Romania and receiving such beautiful support is very motivating and drives me to continue working every day.”
Are you ready to fill the position left vacant by Falcao in the National Team?
“It is always good to have one as a reference for Falcao, we know everything he has achieved with the National Team and at the club level. Right now we know that there are good forwards at a good level, but it is nice to have this type of competition for that position, because that drives you to work harder every day.”
What is the difference between the Jhon Córdoba who left Colombia and the one today?
“Enormous. I left Colombia a long time ago, I was 18 years old and today I am 30. During that period I matured a lot, my decision-making is more correct and I am very happy to have acquired that maturity in this way.”
What do you want to be your next step in your career?
“I don’t rule out anything, but I would like to continue here in Europe, it is where I have been most of my career, I feel comfortable and I think I still have a lot to give. I will try to be on this continent as much as I can.”
The day you return to Colombia, which team would you like to play for?
“I don’t rule out anything, I support Envigado a lot, I’m a fan of that team, I watch their games, but I don’t rule out the opportunity to play for any team, Envigado or another.”
What has the change been like going from Germany to Russia?
“They are different countries, but I have been lucky that they have treated me very well in both. I have found people who have made my life easy and I am grateful for that.”
Until when do you have a contract in Russia?
“I finish this season and I have one more year on my contract.”
What is the key for Néstor Lorenzo’s Colombian National Team to play against anyone?
“I think the union, the group that exists, has been fundamental. It is a selection of brothers, anyone who arrives is made to feel comfortable and I believe that where there is a team, and that union, it is difficult for things not to work.”
Yáser Asprilla, Jhon Arias and you confirm that Chocó is full of talent…
“I believe that if there was greater support for that region there would be many more players. It was something nice that the three of us were able to score in the National Team’s last game. “This allows people to pay more attention to our land and, I hope, football and sports in general can be supported more there.”
Your father (Manuel Acisclo Córdoba) and you have a unique record and it was that you both scored with the National Team…
“Yes, it is something nice, that he has managed to score with the National Team and so have I. “Those are challenges and goals that have been surpassed that motivate one to continue working and do things well.”
What do you miss most about the country?
“To my family, I left very young and it is something I always miss and, obviously, the food.”
Up to what age would you like to play soccer?
”I still don’t think about that, I’m going step by step, game by game and year by year. The body will tell it. For now, I feel good, I’m having a great time and I’m going to continue enjoying this.”
Speaking of enjoying, what do you enjoy most with your 4-year-old daughter Isabella?
“I really enjoy him coming to see me play, he understands football and he likes it and I love it when he accompanies me.”
Would you like me to be a footballer too?
“Let’s not rule out anything, with children you have to try everything.”
You have been an admirer of Didier Drogba, do you still have that admiration or do you have another idol?
“He will always be my idol. I used to get up as a child to watch him play for Chelsea and I loved his way of finishing, of holding the ball. He was my reference, the one who led me to dedicate myself to football.”
Do you have the dream of playing for Chelsea?
“Yes, that is my biggest dream. Nothing is impossible in this life, we are working well, things are being done well and there is a God who decides everything, let’s hope that one day that opportunity will come.”
What have they told you about the preparation of the Colombian National Team before the start of the Copa América?
“It is an issue that the coaching staff handles, we as players are here to comply and give our best, if the coach so wishes.”
The number 9 of the National Team looks good on you…
“The truth is, yes, it is the number I have been using, I like it and I feel comfortable with it.”
How do you analyze Colombian soccer?
“I watch the Envigado games and some summaries. I think it is growing, but like everything, we have to improve and hopefully it will be for a positive change.”
The summary of his career
Jhon Córdoba began his professional career in 2010 with Envigado FC. In 2012 he joined Jaguares de Chiapas of the Mexican League. In 2013 he signed with Granada CF of the Spanish La Liga.
In 2015, he transferred to Mainz 05 of the German Bundesliga. In 2017 he signed for Bundesliga side FC Cologne. In 2020, he joined Hertha Berlin of that same league.
In 2021 he signed with FC Krasnodar of the Russian Premier League. His debut with the Colombian National Team was in 2014. He was then able to participate in the 2015 and 2019 Copa América. Among his achievements are winning the Colombia Cup with Envigado FC in 2010, and
He has also been the top scorer in the Russian Premier League in the 2021-22 season, a recognition that he is fighting for again this season with 14 goals.
