Fanshop
Nadiem Amiri: "I've missed the boys"
Nadiem, first of all congratulations on the European title. Has it sunk in yet, what you achieved?
Nadiem Amiri: Yes it has now, but it did take two weeks and the joy remains. On the night of the triumph we celebrated. Really celebrated. We once again went to our limits (laughs).
Before your triumph Germany was last U21 European Champion in 2009. Some members of that team went on to win the World Cup give years later. Do you now feel the pressure or is it an incentive?
Amiri: There's no pressure, rather there is a big incentive. I don't know if anyone is expecting this team to go on and win the World Cup in five years' time. But I could happily live with this 'pressure'. We wanted to write our own history in Poland and, as a team, we did that
Spain were the big favourites going into the final. What was the secret to your victory?
Amiri: We were simply the better team and, from a tactical point of view, gave a terrific performance. Spain didn't have any clear chances in the whole match. The coaching team set us up perfectly and we implemented everything on the pitch. That's something Germany teams do at the big tournaments - we play as a team. That was the key.
Against England you scored the decisive penalty. What were you thinking before, during and after that spot-kick?
Amiri: That was definitely the tightest game of the tournament. I had a big chance to score just before full-time. I thought the pass from Jerry (Toljan) would bobble because the pitch wasn't great, but it didn't, it stayed on the ground and I missed it. That was tough, but I was feeling good and wanted to take the final penalty. I like those situations - all or nothing. The England captain said something to me as I was walking up to take it, but it went in one ear and out the other. I was certain that I was going to score. I had the corner pictured in my head and I found it. Then Julian Pollersbeck made the save and we were in the final. Amazing. A dream.
Your holiday afterwards was short. Where did you spend it and what did you do to relax?
Amiri: I went to Spain with my family and really relaxed. I also did a bit of celebrating (laughs).
You could have stayed longer on holiday. Why did you want to join up with the team here in Austria?
Amiri: When I returne from Spain it was clear that I wasn't going away again. So I decided to join straight back up with the team. This way I can get to know the new additions a little earlier and get back into life at TSG. I want to understand everything that we're doing tactically. We also have lots of cool guys in the team and last season was great. I've missed the boys. We have a lot coming up in the new season so I wanted to be back involved as soon as possible.
You have a lot of matches in your legs and didn't have a long holiday - how fit are you?
Amiri: I did a bit of running after the EUROs, but physically I'm not yet 100% fit. Pre-season with the team will stand me in good stead. I'll be in best possible shape for the first match of the season. I'm certain of that.
What's on the agenda for the next few days?
Amiri: First things first I want to come out of this period fit and feel at one with the team and the football that we're playing. I'll be giving everything in every training session.
