2011 Mario Gomez won the goalscorer’s crown. In this interview, the 38-year-old talks about his footballing beginnings in his Swabian homeland, his most important goal and about an opponent who was a nightmare for him.
Which club did you start playing for?
At home with SV Unlingen. I was five years old then.
Were you already a goal scorer as a child?
Yes, indeed. For me, it was all about scoring goals from the start. I never really played any other position. I was always in front.
Did you have a role model?
My childhood idol was Jay-Jay Okocha. The way he handled the ball was fascinating to me. He was like an artist.
Which was your most important goal?
The most important for me personally and the one with the most memories was my first international goal. It was also my first international match, against Switzerland in 2007. If you like, it was almost a perfect debut, we won the game 3:1.
Who was your best team-mate?
David Alaba. His overall package impressed me, even as a young guy he brought a lot to the table and then developed exceptionally. For me, he has no weaknesses. He has mastered the whole programme.
Who was your best opponent?
Undeniably Carles Puyol, the long-time FC Barcelona and Spanish national team defensive boss. He was a beast, a monster. I thought at the beginning of our duels that we would see each other as brothers, me with my Spanish roots. But on the field he was someone who gave everything for his team. As a direct opponent, 90 minutes against him was a nightmare.
Which opposing goalkeeper was the best?
Manuel Neuer and Petr Cech. Both were masters of their trade.
What was your strength?
It’s obvious – goals. By far my biggest strength and the thing that has kept me busy my whole career. Nothing I’ve thought about as much as that.
What your weakness?
During my active career, I was certainly not one of the players with the best running ability. That’s why I had to manage my strength well and was especially careful to be there mentally when I scored the goal and to sink it (laughs).
Who is the best goal scorer of all time?
Undeniably Lionel Messi. Even though I was always a fan of Ronaldinho, Rivaldo or especially Romario. But Messi is already in a league of his own.
Which amateur club are you still connected to?
My first club, SV Unlingen.
Do you still kick occasionally?
When, then with my son. Otherwise only when something really special is coming up. At Claudio Pizarro’s farewell game in Bremen, I wore football boots again for the first time since I retired.
Where does your goalscoring crown stand?
You better not want to know (laughs).