‘Everybody on Poland national team was happy with what weve achieved, but you have to remember that we are all very ambitious, says Cracovia player Bartosz Kapustka after his return from Euro 2016.

- What are your thoughts on Euro 2016?

- Im glad with how everything turned out. I went to France thinking how cool it would be to get at least a couple minutes on the pitch, however due to Kamil Grosickis injury I was named in the starting line-up for the first game against Northern Ireland. I think I seized the opportunity. Maybe I could have done a little bit better in the next games but all things considered I am happy with how things went.

- You have received lots of compliments after the game with Northern Ireland.

- Yeah, I was very flattered. I knew I could be proud of myself and I realized I have just taken a step forward that will bring me closer to playing in every game.

- Be honest, how many times during the final did you think it could be Poland not Portugal?

- It might have crossed my mind a couple of times. Everybody on Poland national team was happy with what weve achieved, but you have to remember that we are all very ambitious. We had a real chance to get through even to the final so there is this nagging feeling we could have done better.

- Did the whole tournament meet your expectations?

- I heard that people in Poland created a wonderful Euros atmosphere, maybe even better than in France, but its hard for me to say. There were many things that made a big impression on me, for example the fact that I got a chance to play against great stars whom I had only watched on TV before the tournament. It was quite an experience for me.

- Whats the first Euros-related memory that comes to your mind?

- Probably tears after the quarterfinal defeat to Portugal. It may not sound very optimistic, but the defeat hit us all very hard. We really wanted to get through to the semifinal.

- Any interesting encounters now that more people recognize you in the street?

- Many people have come up to me asking for autographs, I tried to find some time for all of them. My parents told me that in my hometown groups of people would meet up to watch together Polands games. Its very nice to hear that.

- You didnt get a long summer break.

- I got one week off and I have to say I dont remember when was the last time I had such a long vacation. In previous years I would always go on Poland junior team training camp as soon as the season was over, so I had only a few days of holidays. Im used to it and Im far from complaining.

- Did Cracovia teammates give you any special welcome?

- They didnt get a chance as it was me who surprised them when I came to visit just two days after I had returned to Poland. I wanted to talk to the coach about getting some days off and see the lads. Everyone congratulated me but there was also some joking around going on.

- Are you ready to face Piast Gliwice on Sunday?

- Yes, of course I am. I am preparing with Cracovia and Im ready to play on Sunday.