I also speak five languages fluently (and a little Italian): German, French, English, Portuguese and Spanish. I was at Paris [Saint-Germain between 2015 and 2018], and elsewhere abroad, and I noticed how difficult it is to communicate if you don’t speak the language. I feel most integrated when I know I can have a chat with my fellow players. To start with [in Paris] it really wasn’t that easy, as there was a language problem. So I can empathise with the new players who come to Frankfurt and at the start don’t speak the language or know the culture. It helps me communicate better with the new players, though I can’t speak Croatian or Japanese yet… If I can help someone to settle and feel good here then I like that. Speaking different languages is fun, so I’m sure it’s something which helps us in the changing room.

There are various ways to be a leader. I’m not some sort of extrovert who approaches other players all the time. I want to lead by my performance on the pitch and to let them know that if there is a problem, I am always willing to help. That’s where the languages come in, of course, as it helps other players feel good. 

I learned a lot at Paris. I played with Zlatan Ibrahimović there, who is a great personality; Thiago Silva was the captain; and Marquinhos, who is the captain there now – players who have achieved a lot. I was able to learn from them and I try to pass this on to others now in Frankfurt. I want to contribute mentally, with my performance, my experience, my personality, which I think has developed. 

I love this club. I love Eintracht Frankfurt and the fans we have. When you win a competition with a club like this, it’s really special. To experience these things as a footballer and as a fan of the club, it’s beautiful and deserved. We’ve achieved an absolute high point in the history of the club, bringing a European trophy back after 42 years. The whole city stood still.

I’ve matured and gained so much experience. As a result, I’ve calmed down and I’m more relaxed. I’m still somebody who thinks about things but probably not as much as I used to. I’ve developed in this area, both on and off the pitch. The calmness and experience have changed me. You never stop learning of course but, ultimately, I’ve played lots of games now. That means I see certain things differently and perceive them differently, and can convey this calmness I have onto the pitch and pass it on to the rest of the team.