"Jovic will become the best in Europe" - Kostic

Hamburg loanee Kostic was one of the unsung heroes of Frankfurt's remarkable campaign which saw them reach the UEFA Europa League semi-finals and finish seventh in the Bundesliga to secure another season of continental football. It was 21-year-old striker Jovic, however, who stole the headlines with his team-leading 27 goals in all competitions.

Having recently been rewarded for his own eye-catching haul of 10 goals and 13 assists with a permanent Frankfurt deal, Kostic shared his thoughts on a season to remember with bundesliga.com...

bundesliga.com: It was your first year in Frankfurt. What are your impressions of the club? What makes it so special?

Filip Kostic: "This was my first season in Frankfurt and also my favourite overall! As a team, we are strong; the mood is good; we are friends on the pitch and also off it; we have great fans… all of this contributed to our success this season. It was very important.”

bundesliga.com: You've since signed a permanent deal with Frankfurt...

Kostic: "Yes I signed. My contract consisted of a two-year loan deal. However, when the club moved to buy after the first year, it was a sign that I had performed well. That we had had an impressive season and that I had, personally, impressed as well. I made it. I'm staying in Frankfurt and I'm incredibly pleased."

Watch: See why Kostic was nominated for the Bundesliga Player of the Month award in March

bundesliga.com: What was your highlight of the season?

Kostic: "There were several during the season but the matches against Inter and Benfica stand out because of how we fought to reach the semi-finals. The semi-final was also outstanding even though we were not able to reach the final. It will also be a cherished memory of mine. Therefore, those two games [Inter and Benfica] were special."

bundesliga.com: What was your favourite goal of the season and why?

Kostic: "There were many in all competitions. I scored ten goals, which is my best season in terms of goals scored. Possibly the goal [in the seccond leg of the Europa League quarter-final] against Benfica. It was the goal that gave us the lead, gave the team a boost, and increased our belief. We realised that we could do it and that is exactly what happened. The goal came at the right time and everything worked out wonderfully."

bundesliga.com: Who was your player of the season in the Bundesliga for 2018/19?

Kostic: There are several… however, in my opinion, the best player I have played with and in the Bundesliga would be Luka Jovic. The kid has incredible talent and has scored many goals – especially in crucial matches. I wish him all the best in his career. If he continues this way, he will most definitely become the best striker in Europe."

Watch: How Jovic scores his goals

bundesliga.com: You were at Stuttgart for three years, then moved to Hamburg. How does it feel to now be playing for a top side?

Kostic: "Of course there is a difference between fighting for the Champions League and fighting against relegation. They are not the same thing. There is a lot more pressure when fighting for survival. The players suffer a lot – myself included. I have been in Germany for five years. It was an important experience. Hopefully, it won’t be like that anymore and I can replicate my performances from this season on a continuous basis."

bundesliga.com: What are your expectations for the coming season?

Kostic: "For next season… maybe to qualify for the Europa league again and possibly achieve something even better. This team is capable of a lot. We are a strong team. We might even make it into the Champions League. That is my dream: to play in the Champions League with Eintracht. Hopefully, we will manage that."