Nwaneri's first interview as a BVB player: “I’ll fight for my place!” | OneFootball

It almost looks like scoring against BVB in a friendly helps if you want to move to BVB afterwards. Crazy situation, right?“I was definitely happy about the goal. But now I’m happy to be here. It feels great.”

What was it like making the move on the final day of the transfer window?“It is hectic, of course. A lot happens behind the scenes. But you just have to keep the goal in sight. Cross your fingers sometimes, too. We got it over the line. And now I’m here.”

Exactly. It worked out in the end.“Exactly. As soon as I heard about BVB’s interest and there was a meeting, everything moved 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 set off.”

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 that I couldn’t say for sure yet either. But we talked a lot. And the whole time he kept saying I should come to BVB. I’m happy that we’ll now be playing side by side.”

You’re only 19 and you’ve just had your first spell in France. Do you find it hard or easy to move abroad?“I think it’s definitely easier now. The first time, you really are leaving your comfort zone. It’s completely new territory. But now I’m more relaxed, more open, and mentally better prepared. I’ve been through it 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 near the 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 have been here before. Players who made a name for themselves here and then kept growing elsewhere. They all grew here, both as people and as men. I think that’s something great, something that really sets this club apart.”

Do you think there will be differences between the Premier League and the Bundesliga?“Yes, there will be. But when it comes to intensity, I think German football will be very similar. That’s definitely a key aspect of German football. So I don’t see any major differences there. But I’m excited to find out 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 we can expect there.“They’re both definitely special places. Quite a few teams in England find it difficult to play there. The atmosphere is fantastic 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 for 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 and 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.