Really good read, both in terms of the Albion and his role for Germany.
On his future: "I don't have in mind that I have to end my career in Brighton. However, for me now - because of my family - more depends on a transfer than before. Basically, it is conceivable for me to return to Germany. I follow the Bundesliga and find it an interesting league with great clubs - even if the Premier League overall has the better individual players. However, it should be a project that really appeals to me."
On his first few seasons: "The first two years after the promotion were difficult because it was all about the preservation of the league. The difference in quality was big, and we played an old English football that I couldn't imagine anymore (laughs).".
On Albion selling players: "Surely we could have been dangerous to the top clubs with the players mentioned and our current coach Roberto De Zerbi."
On playing for Roberto De Zerbi: "It's about small details. I feel like I'm in a football school under him, I learn every day."
On being a leader: "When I came to England, it was all about football for me. Then I have increasingly grown into a leadership role in which I not only focused on my own performance, but also tried to help my teammates and the team."
On his love of football: "I never have to say to myself: "Come now, training tomorrow is important!" - because I'm looking forward to it anyway. I am really grateful every day that I can play football. Even if I hadn't become a professional, I would kick now, just in the district league. Football doesn't feel like work, I've always dreamed of it."
On being called up by Germany: "For me, the nomination was the most beautiful and greatest thing that has ever happened to me as a footballer. It was my lifelong dream to represent my country. The call of the national coach was indescribable. I was also a bit overwhelmed because I couldn't believe it. My hope became smaller from year to year, but one last spark had always been there."
Use your browser auto-translate button: https://archive.ph/R1Qhh
On his future: "I don't have in mind that I have to end my career in Brighton. However, for me now - because of my family - more depends on a transfer than before. Basically, it is conceivable for me to return to Germany. I follow the Bundesliga and find it an interesting league with great clubs - even if the Premier League overall has the better individual players. However, it should be a project that really appeals to me."
On his first few seasons: "The first two years after the promotion were difficult because it was all about the preservation of the league. The difference in quality was big, and we played an old English football that I couldn't imagine anymore (laughs).".
On Albion selling players: "Surely we could have been dangerous to the top clubs with the players mentioned and our current coach Roberto De Zerbi."
On playing for Roberto De Zerbi: "It's about small details. I feel like I'm in a football school under him, I learn every day."
On being a leader: "When I came to England, it was all about football for me. Then I have increasingly grown into a leadership role in which I not only focused on my own performance, but also tried to help my teammates and the team."
On his love of football: "I never have to say to myself: "Come now, training tomorrow is important!" - because I'm looking forward to it anyway. I am really grateful every day that I can play football. Even if I hadn't become a professional, I would kick now, just in the district league. Football doesn't feel like work, I've always dreamed of it."
On being called up by Germany: "For me, the nomination was the most beautiful and greatest thing that has ever happened to me as a footballer. It was my lifelong dream to represent my country. The call of the national coach was indescribable. I was also a bit overwhelmed because I couldn't believe it. My hope became smaller from year to year, but one last spark had always been there."
Use your browser auto-translate button: https://archive.ph/R1Qhh
he’s never lost the magic.
