Is that this your first time in India?

No, that is my second time. I’ve beforehand visited Mumbai and Bangalore in 2020, simply earlier than the pandemic. I bear in mind catching the final flight again to Germany at first shut down.

What did you want about your final go to, and what are you wanting ahead to doing now?

The individuals listed here are fantastic; it’s all the time nice to be in India. The meals is a bit spicy for me, however excellent. Curiously, once I returned to Germany, I truly missed the site visitors on India’s streets!

You spent over 16 years at Borussia Dortmund. If the goalposts at Sign Iduna Park might communicate, what moments do you suppose they might bear in mind most out of your profession?

My first title in 2011 was one of many largest moments. Successful that Bundesliga title with Dortmund was unbelievable. Then in 2012, we did the double, profitable each the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal. We additionally reached the Champions League remaining, although we misplaced to Bayern Munich. They weren’t the higher staff, however that they had extra luck that day.
A yr later, I reached the head of my profession by profitable the World Cup with Germany in Brazil. Over my profession, I received the Bundesliga twice and the DFB-Pokal twice. I’ve performed in lots of finals — whereas I’m proud, there’s all the time part of me that needs I’d received yet one more title.

You confronted among the best forwards of all time like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Who was probably the most tough so that you can learn, and why?

Sure, the names you talked about are proper. However Cristiano Ronaldo was extremely tough to learn due to his relentless work ethic and confidence. I performed in opposition to him many instances, at Actual Madrid and later at Juventus. I additionally confronted Robert Lewandowski, who was my teammate at Dortmund earlier than he moved to Bayern Munich. He continues to play exceptionally properly, not too long ago profitable a title with Barcelona. I’ve performed in opposition to many sturdy strikers, like Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín, and others. However Ronaldo stands out. He’s all the time the primary within the dressing room, working laborious within the health club and on the pitch, and the final to depart. His dedication has saved him on the high for therefore lengthy, and now he’s persevering with his profession in Saudi Arabia.

As a part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup squad, what’s one behind-the-scenes second followers may not find out about?

After our first recreation in opposition to Portugal, we had an enormous occasion. Earlier than that match, nobody actually knew the place we stood or what to anticipate. Enjoying in Brazil was robust — the warmth was round 35 levels Celsius, making the whole lot tougher. However after we received 4-0, we celebrated at our camp in Campo Bahia. That occasion introduced the staff nearer, and it was improbable to be a part of such a united group. That first win gave us an enormous confidence increase for the remainder of the event.

You had an extended profession and performed in among the largest matches. What was your routine for preparing for an enormous recreation?

I all the time adopted the identical routine, particularly for night time video games. Within the morning, we’d have breakfast, adopted by a brief coaching session to heat up. After lunch, I’d take a nap to recharge. Within the afternoon, we’d put together to go to the stadium. I all the time skilled my thoughts by watching movies of my performances and listening to music to get into the correct mindset. Earlier than the match, I’d swap off my telephone to keep away from distractions and focus fully.

Bundesliga is rising in India, with extra individuals watching yearly. Do you comply with Indian soccer?

Sure, I’ve adopted the Indian Tremendous League (ISL) through the years. A few of my former teammates have performed within the ISL. For instance, Manuel Friedrich, who was with Mainz 05 and Dortmund, spent a while in India. I additionally bear in mind Patrick Owomoyela contemplating a transfer right here, although it didn’t occur ultimately. The expansion of Indian soccer is spectacular, and it’s thrilling to see the growing curiosity and improvement.

What can Indian followers study from the Bundesliga by way of youth coaching, fan tradition, or membership id?

Indian soccer is rising quick, and there’s a lot potential right here. There are a lot of individuals wanting to study and develop via academies. The followers are improbable—typically the stadiums are bought out! Indian soccer is certainly on the rise.

Lastly, if 20-year-old Roman have been listening to you in the present day, what recommendation would you give your youthful self?

Have enjoyable with what you do. At first, take pleasure in taking part in soccer and keep focussed. Work laborious, settle for the principles, and preserve self-discipline. It’s additionally actually vital to construct good relationships along with your teammates. That’s one thing you study alongside the best way, and it helps you each on and off the pitch.