Recently, Fulham captain Leno spoke to Sky Sports Germany about his decision to turn down a call-up to the German team, as well as what it's like to live and captain the team in England, and also about Tuchel's role as England boss.
Talks about refusing a call-up to the German team
Leno said, "I didn't think there would be so much discussion and articles about refusing a call-up to the German team. But it's in the past and most of what was reported in the media is true. Nagelsmann made the situation clear, we were open and honest with each other and didn't beat around the bush, so everything is okay."
On being Fulham captain
Leno is full of pride about what it's like to captain Fulham: "It's a special feeling to lead the team onto the pitch. As a captain, you naturally feel proud. It's an honor to be able to play in front of such a big crowd while the fans celebrate you at home. I realized my dream of turning a hobby into a job. Week after week we played in front of thousands of live spectators and millions of TV viewers. Every time you walk into the stadium, you know full well that it's prime time again and your dream has come true."
Talking about life in the UK
Leno also shared his experience of living in the UK, "I don't speak English perfectly, I still have a German accent which is impossible to change. They always tell me that I have an aggressive German accent and it has to do with our language. I remember when I got to the national team I suddenly started to call 'keeper' instead of 'goalkeeper', which means I think in English and sometimes speak English in my dreams. That's because you usually speak a lot of English and on the pitch you only speak English. I think that's cool, the language, the mentality and the different cultures in London make me a complete person."
Talking about Tuchel as England boss
On the subject of Tuchel as England boss, Leno said, "I think it's very positive. I've been asked about it by my club teammates and I said 'the Germans have taken over'. On the one hand, it's funny, but I think the two go well together. Tuchel was criticized in Germany, but things are a bit different in England. In terms of coaching ability, he's seen as a top coach here. He was very successful at Chelsea, even though it ended a bit strangely, and he was also linked with Manchester United. Everything about him is viewed positively. The English will accept and appreciate him and that will be good for England."
