It almost looks like scoring against BVB in a friendly helps if you want to move to BVB afterwards. Crazy situation, isn’t it?“I was definitely happy about the goal. But now I’m just glad to be here. It feels great.”
What was it like to make the move on the final day of the transfer window?“It’s definitely hectic. A lot happens behind the scenes. But you just have to keep the goal in sight. And sometimes keep your fingers crossed. We got it over the line. And now I’m here.”
Exactly. Now it’s happened.“Right. As soon as I heard about BVB’s interest and there was a meeting, everything developed very quickly. After just a few hours, there were already advanced talks going on behind the scenes. So as soon as I found out about the interest, I was ready to go.”
Were you in contact with your U21 national team teammate Jobe Bellingham?“I spoke to Jobe over the last few days. He asked: What’s going on with you? And I told him I couldn’t really say for sure yet either. But we talked a lot. And the whole time he kept saying I should come to BVB. I’m glad that now we’ll be playing side by side.”
You’re only 19 and have just had your first spell in France. Do you find it hard or easy to go abroad?“I think it’s definitely easier now. The first time, you really are stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s completely new territory. But now I’m more relaxed, more open, and mentally better prepared. I know what it’s like by now.”
Give us an idea of what your favorite role on the pitch is.“My favorite role ... I think any of the four attacking positions suits me. As long as it’s somewhere in attack, with the goal close to me. I like being close to goal. I like being part of moving the ball forward. Whether it’s out wide or centrally. I don’t think there’s one position I prefer there. I really enjoy playing in any of those attacking roles and I’m looking forward to it.”
When you think of Borussia Dortmund, what comes to mind?“A lot. The fans, of course. Everyone has heard about them. That crazy stadium, with its history. But also the players who used to be here. Players who made a name for themselves here and then kept growing elsewhere. They all grew here as people and as men. I think that’s something special that also defines this club.”
Do you think there will be differences between the Premier League and the Bundesliga?“Yes, there will be. But in terms of intensity, I think German football will be very similar. That’s a key aspect of German football. So I don’t see any major differences there. But I’m excited to see what it will be like.”
We’ll be playing twice in England in the Champions League: at the Emirates Stadium and Villa Park. So tell us what those two places are like and what awaits us there.“They’re both definitely special places. Quite a few teams in England find it challenging to play there. The atmosphere is great in both stadiums. I’m sure they’ll be two really good matches. We have to be ready.”
When you think about the season ahead of you, what goals have you set yourself?“I’m here and I’m going to fight for my place in the team. I’ll give everything. As much as I can, as well as I can. For the fans. We’ll see what comes of it. I’m ready to fight and give everything for the team.”
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.