Athlete

I do feel my African side, but I've always wanted to play for Germany. Ghana did contact me, but I told them and my dad that I was sure I wanted to play for Germany.

I had injuries - even when I was younger, I had problems with my back. I had to grow up very fast.

Sometimes you lose, sometimes you win, sometimes you are unlucky, but that's life.

As a child, I played on the road against bigger players. Due to my technical skills, I've always got by.

I am happy to be a German. I'm proud, or I wouldn't be here in the team.

Bayern is the biggest team in Germany, one of the biggest teams in Europe. Every year, world class players come along, so it's one of the strongest teams in the world.

Jay-Z is one of the biggest stars in the world and such an icon. He was so down to earth. It was like talking to a friend. I have huge respect for how he handles everything.

It's always fun to play against the best players. That's how you improve yourself.

As a player, you would sometimes want a bit more public backing.

It's absolutely fine to be a bit more reactive and not chase after the ball at times. But you cannot be passive.

The most important thing I learned during games is to be calmer, to try to smooth over other people's or my own mistakes, and not to tackle people unnecessarily. Patience was key for me.

We can only stop Cristiano Ronaldo as a team. In front of goal, he's like a machine. You can't shut him out completely; he always gets his chances in a game because of the lines he runs and his excellent timing.

I have improved both feet for my passing game as well as in the vertical play into attack, whether that be low balls or longer balls.

I'm a fighter - I learned this as a child.

If I can understand criticism, I take it very seriously. But it's a process; it doesn't happen overnight.

In Germany, young players are given more time, more patience. In England, they prefer to buy already-high-level players rather than spending some time building up a really talented young guy.

I purposely got involved in the American market, as I'm really interested in it. I find the way they do marketing there really cool.

To get the title for your home country in another country like Brazil, the home of football - it was amazing.

Football should and has to remain beautiful - entertainment, a celebration for everyone.

I am the type of guy who regenerates very, very well.