Bence Dardai speaks on Hertha roots, reveals childhood fear of club mascot

In an interview published in the Wednesday print edition of Germany’s main sporting tabloid Wolfsburg midfielder Bence Dardai spoke on his Hertha upbringing.

After playing a key role in VfL Wolfsburg’s turnaround this season, plenty of German footballing journalists are lining up to speak to 18-year-old midfielder Bence Dardai. The youngest son of long-time Hertha trainer Pal Dardai – not unlike the three Boateng brothers – stems from a famous Charlottenburg footballing family.

Dardai offered up some thoughts on his upbringing in Germany’s capital city in an interview published in the Wednesday print edition of Germany’s “Sport Bild” tabloid. The Germany U17 international opted to leave siblings Palko and Marton behind in Berlin and join Hertha’s “ICE Neighbors” on a free this offseason.

“It wasn’t a decision against Hertha,” Dardai insisted in his interview, “I just wanted to try something new. I wanted to live alone and go my own way in order to become a more mature person.”

“I could have gone abroad, but didn’t want to,” Dardai continued, “The fact that Wolfsburg is so close to Berlin influenced my decision. In the event something happens, I have family close by.” 

“My family let me make my own decision,” Dardai also said, “My mother didn’t want me to go. She came with me to Wolfsburg to check everything out. Then she warmed up to the idea.” 

Sport BIld’s Robert Schreier had many questions for the teenage talent who, unlike central defender Marton and attacking winger Palko, seems to take after his father the most. Bence plays his father’s six position, moving up to the eight slot when needed. In response to whether he saw his father as an example, the youngster noted that he never saw Pal play live and considered himself “his own player”. 

“I was four years old when my father retired,” Dardai noted, “I do recall when he made his rounds at the Olympiastadion after his final match. I was still afraid of [Hertha mascot] Hertinho [at that age].” 

“I slept in Hertinho bed sheets,” Dardai went on to say later in the interview, “My family is Hertha through and through. I watch every game and have attended two matches at the stadium this year.” 

“It’s only 50 minutes away with the [German high-speed train] ICE,” Dardai continued, “I hope we get to play them next season in the top flight. This year, I want to be in the Olympiastadion for the Pokal Final.”