AC Milan's central defender, Malick Thiaw, has spoken to the German Football Association's official channels. He said these words.
Did you dream of becoming a professional footballer, playing for FC Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga and AC Milan in the Champions League, and now being invited to the German national team? Or were your dreams more modest in the past?
"When I was young, I only thought about playing football. And dreamed of playing for big clubs and the German national team. Until the age of 14, 15. After that, I realized that I could actually become a pro if I give everything and work hard on myself. I understood what matters.
When a dream comes true like these days with the national team: How does it feel?
"Great. It makes me happy and proud. And it proves that all the hard work of the past years, the unconditional support of my family, who has always been there for me, pays off. But even now that I am here with the national team, I don't want to stop developing. I want to learn and improve further."
Even a Milan club legend like Paolo Maldini, five-time Champions League winner and vice-world champion with Italy, appreciates you a lot...
"As sporting director, he watches every training session. He knows exactly in which areas I need to improve and what I'm already doing well. He passes that on to me, and I'm very grateful for it."
Thiaw, you didn't get to see Paolo Maldini play. Which player did you associate with AC Milan as a child?
"The first one was Ronaldinho. But when I look back, the player I associate most strongly with AC Milan is Kevin-Prince Boateng. His two goals against Barcelona and Arsenal made me swoon at the time. I was very young, watched the games on TV and thought: Wow!"
Now you're wearing the red-black jersey yourself. What does it mean to you?
"It's really true that every time I come into the dressing room and see my jersey with my name and my number, I'm very proud and happy. And I still can't really believe it", declared Thiaw.
Your teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also famous for his quotes. What has he taught you?
"He gives his teammates something in every single training session. He's a great guy, a real leader. And he hates to lose. It's something gigantic to be able to play with him. It's a great honor and makes me incredibly proud. I also followed and admired him on TV as a little boy."
Italian football is currently experiencing a renaissance, with three Italian teams in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, more than any other nation. How do you perceive football in Italy? Thiaw replied with:
"In Germany, Serie A has not necessarily been talked up in recent years. That's why the high level surprised me when I came to Milan. It was much better than expected. All teams are tactically well-trained, it's difficult to win against any team, especially away. They defend very well."
League leaders Napoli will be out of reach in the league, but not in the Champions League - you will face Napoli with Milan in the quarter-finals. How important is this match?
"Napoli is having a great season in the league and in the Champions League as well. But hopefully, that's it now. We are AC Milan. Anyone who knows our tradition, with seven Champions League titles, knows that this is more our home."
Thiaw, you have family roots in the north and south. Now you have landed geographically somewhere in the middle. Is it logical that you feel comfortable in Italy?
"The Italian culture suits me very well. The people there are very open and relaxed. I have gotten along very well here from the beginning. Even though it was a bit difficult to communicate at first."
Your surname is pronounced like "Ciao". Is it easier for Italians to pronounce?
"I had expected that. But they have just as much trouble with it as everyone else. (laughs)"
You could have played for Finland and Senegal in the national team as well. Was it always clear to you that you would choose Germany? Thiaw said:
"That was always my goal. Germany is a very big football nation, a real football country with a very successful national team that I cheered for as a child in all their games. I always believed that I had the quality to play for Germany. But of course, I could never be sure that I would actually make it. Everything has worked out well so far. Now I am with the national team."
How did you resist the recruitment of other nations?
"Finland, in particular, made a strong effort to recruit me. But my family and I had our firm goal: for me to play for Germany."
With the German national team, it must feel almost like a class reunion, seeing so many U-21 European champions again...
"It's good to see so many familiar faces here", said Thiaw, "I know them well, we're friends. That makes you feel comfortable right away. We have big goals, but we also have a lot of fun together. Overall, Hansi Flick and the team have welcomed us newcomers super well."
When you've already fulfilled so many dreams at a young age, what dreams do you have left? Thiaw answered:
"Many, many dreams still. A European Championship in your own country is a dream, and it's happening in Germany next year. And I want to win many more titles. Every title makes you want more. That's what makes champions."
