Niclas Fullkrug he is preparing to face the most important match of his career. The German striker will lead Borussia Dortmund’s assault on Real Madrid in the Champions League final which will be played on Saturday at Wembley: “We are very calm, confident about the season we had in the Champions League. We played against great teams and we expect a very special situation, the most important match that can be played. I can only say that the countdown has begun, nothing more”, he said to Brand.
Is this the most special match of your career?
“Yes, it’s the most important match. I’m calm and confident, because we are preparing very well, I perceive a very positive energy in the team, in the technical staff.”
Did you imagine something like this at the beginning of the season?
“I had the feeling that if we had made it out of the group alive, we could have gone very far. After the group stage, confidence grew. We beat PSV and thanks to our fans we were able to take off.”
Can we say that Real Madrid is the favorite on the pitch and Borussia in the stands?
“Definitely. Every team knows our fans. What we have seen this season in our home I think has never been experienced elsewhere.”
You will face Toni Rüdiger, who has already given Haaland and Kane trouble.
“He’s a good guy, I love him. I like him because he’s very honest, even if he’s aggressive. In training he’s the same: he’s a natural leader. He comes towards you and it seems like he wants to kill you (laughs, ed.). But also I’m like that and I love playing against this type of opponent.”
Are you impressed by the 14 European Cups won by Real?
“You can say that it is the strongest team in the world, with a gigantic history, but that is precisely what makes this final more captivating. Everyone wants to play these matches. It will be a beautiful, perfect final, in a historic stadium”
Reus will leave Dortmund and Kroos retires. For one of the two there will be no perfect ending.
“Two incredible careers, two legends. They both deserve to win. And normally I would tell you that Kroos deserves the Champions League, because for me he is one of the best players in history. But this time I hope Marco wins.”
So would you sign for the Champions League for Reus and the Ballon d’Or for Kroos?
“What I would sign would be the Champions League for Reus and the European Championship for Kroos, so I would win both titles.”