Great entertainer Dimitar Berbatov on PAOK

UEFA.com: You will be remembered as one of football's great entertainers. Does that make you feel proud?

Dimitar Berbatov: Yes, because that is my major goal in football: to provide entertainment, to demonstrate the beauty of the game. That includes goals, assists, playing for the team as a whole, so that we can win. For me, the fact I have provided entertainment and made fans smile after the match is really something that gives me great pleasure. I will continue doing so for as long as I play football.

UEFA.com: What goes through your mind when you don't have the ball?

Berbatov: When the ball is not in my possession, the most important thing is to be aware of my position in relation to the other players in my team. If I know where my team-mates are, then I will be able – with a single motion – to receive the ball immediately.

It is very important to be a step or two ahead of the players you are playing against – you have to be able to continually surprise them. But that is a quality only a few have mastered. That is why I have always loved watching players like Xavi Hernández or Lionel Messi. They can predict the game two or three moves ahead of receiving the ball, and can then pass it on.

UEFA.com: You left Monaco on a free transfer after helping the Ligue 1 outfit reach last season's UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. How did your one-year deal at PAOK come about?

Berbatov helped Monaco reach the UEFA Champions League last eight©AFP/Getty Images

Berbatov: As with many other things in my life, it happened at the last moment. I spoke to the coach Igor Tudor, who told me they really wanted me. The owner of the team, Ivan Savvidis, insisted on signing me. Actually, he had asked me to join two years ago. Ultimately, that is what helped me make up my mind and that is why I agreed to join.

UEFA.com: PAOK have featured in the UEFA Cup and UEFA Europa League group stage in five previous campaigns, but have not made it past the round of 32. Can you do it this season?

Berbatov: That is one of our goals. It will be difficult because the teams in our group are all good, but it is not impossible. Our team is really young, which is great of course, but it also means our players still lack some experience. That is my role – to try to help them as best I can. We will get the chance to test our abilities.

UEFA.com: Former Croatia defender Igor Tudor took charge in June. Tell us about his management style.

Ex-Juventus defender and POAK coach Igor Tudor©Getty Images

Berbatov: He is hungry to work and it shows in his approach to the tasks at hand, in the way he conducts training sessions. His method feels close to the typical Italian style of coaching. That is only natural when you consider he played for Juventus for a long time.

UEFA.com: PAOK host Dortmund on matchday two. Do you expect a great atmosphere at the Stadio Toumba?

Berbatov: Dortmund are the favourites but we can't be underestimated. We have some good young players. Dortmund are playing some lovely football, scoring a lot of goals and they have great players. But the atmosphere will be incredible, both teams will have 11 players on the pitch, and it remains to be seen who will prevail.