"It’s simply the best thing ever to be able to wear the BVB shirt – interview with new signing Jacqueline Meißner | OneFootball

Jaci, after 15 years at Essen, you’re returning to your home town this summer. What made you decide to wear the BVB shirt from this summer onwards?It was always a goal of mine to return to my home town and finish my career here. And, of course, my personal life comes into it too as I’d like to spend more time with my twins, and Dortmund can offer me that.

15 years at SGS Essen, countless club records, legendary status – how difficult was the decision to leave Essen, despite your conviction that you wanted to move to BVB?After 15 years, it’s never easy to leave a club where you’ve experienced highs and lows, where you’ve set records and are regarded as a club legend. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to my new challenge.

How have you perceived the development of women’s football at Borussia Dortmund in recent years?I thought it was great that BVB started out in the district league. I think it’s important and right not to buy their way into the regional league or something like that, but to start from the bottom just like any other club. That’s what makes Borussia Dortmund special. They were promoted every year for the first four years. Unfortunately not this year, but that’s just how it is in sport: sometimes there’s a stumbling block in the way. Then you just have to take a little detour. Nevertheless, the progress has been outstanding and I’m very happy to be able to continue on this path with Borussia Dortmund – even in the Regionalliga.

Four years ago you said: “That’s just Borussia Dortmund. It’s a club close to my heart too. Maybe I’ll retire there one day. But I definitely won’t be playing in the Bundesliga there.” We need to ask you about that. First of all, explain your relationship with Borussia Dortmund.I was born in Dortmund. My first club was SG Phoenix Eving. That’s Dortmund through and through, so to speak. My mum and dad grew up here. Dortmund is our home town. I used to go to the stadium even as a small child. And even though none of us live in Dortmund anymore, it’s still our club. My dad has season tickets; he goes to every men’s match and will be going to the women’s matches in future too (laughs).

In light of that, what does it mean to you personally to be wearing the BVB shirt with your name on it from this summer?It’s impossible to put into words. I feel so proud. It’s something I’ve been really looking forward to. It’s simply the best thing ever for me and my family that I’ll be able to wear the BVB shirt from this summer.

Back to the quote: you’re not thinking about retirement yet, are you?I’m at an age where retirement is on the cards (laughs). I started my career in Dortmund, and I’d like to finish my career here in Dortmund. How long I stay here also depends on what my body says and what the club wants. But one thing’s clear: I want to finish my career at BVB.

But you definitely won’t be playing in the Bundesliga here?(Laughs). Well, I certainly wouldn’t make that statement today. Of course I want to play in the Bundesliga with Dortmund. That’s the goal.

Is that the only goal or are there several?Of course my goal is to do my utmost to help BVB get promoted to the top flight and perhaps get to play a few more games in the Bundesliga. At my age, though, the most important thing is to stay injury-free.

Describe yourself as a player. What strengths do you bring to the team?I’m actually a relatively calm player. I give clear, short instructions rather than making long speeches. My speed and defensive work certainly set me apart.

Speaking of giving instructions, will you be doing that at BVB as well?I’ll certainly be taking on that responsibility. That’s to be expected. I come from the Bundesliga; I’m expected to lead the way, to inspire the team with my experience but also to calm them down with my approach in difficult situations. That’s definitely one of my strengths.

Markus Högner, who coached you for many years and who you’re now reunited with, is certainly aware of that strength too. I’m really looking forward to that. Markus has known me since I was 17. He was the one who guided me into the national team back then. I’m curious to see whether he’s changed over the year we’ve spent apart, or whether he’s matured a bit more as a coach. I’m really looking forward to that, but I’m particularly excited about the team.