-How do you feel about the fact that you've started the season with a bang, hitting three goals in four rounds, and are now tied with your peers for the top spot in the scorer's list?
The new First Division season has just begun and after four matches, I'm not overly worried. As long as I can stay on top of the scoring charts at the end of the season, I'll be satisfied. As for scoring three goals in just four games, I have to express my gratitude to the coaching team and my teammates. As a member of the team, my performance could not have been achieved without the help and trust of all of you, and it is this trust that allows me to play in the team.
-As a 31-year-old veteran, you have achieved such impressive results at the beginning of the new season, did you work twice as hard during winter and spring training?
In today's soccer world, such as Benzema, Modric, Crow and other stars are in their twilight years, but as long as they do a good job on and off the field, such as diet, rest and training, you can maintain or even improve their competitive state. Last year, the league only ended at the end of December, and the off-season was three months long. We started training at the end of March. During that time, I worked on my body and skills almost every day, which I think is the basic duty of a professional player.
--You used to play for Metz, and your former teammate Mane is now making a name for himself. Not long ago, he singled you out in an interview, calling you one of the best players he met when he was young. Mane also mentioned that you were one of the best ball-handlers he had ever seen! How do you feel when you hear such praise?
Mane is an old teammate and a good friend of mine, we've played soccer together since we were very young. He said this about me, with no shortage of compliments from an old friend. In fact, at Metz we had a strong team. I didn't think I was the smartest player in the team, nor did I think I had the best ball handling skills. As an old friend, he has now joined Bayern in a completely new league and platform. I wish him all the best. I'm sure that with his character and strength, he'll also be able to excel in his new environment!
--You came close to ending your career prematurely due to injury, but returned to the field with resilience. Now that you're back in the league, what has the journey been like?
After going through the storm, I cherish the present more. People have become more peaceful and their minds are more stable. I believe that no matter what kind of ups and downs I go through, as long as I face them with a positive mindset, I will be able to gain something, which will be very beneficial to my future life.
--The promise of a new season
The goal for the new season is clear, we want to be at the top of the league. I'm looking forward to helping the team with goals and assists, because this year's tactics are very different from last year's. We played a lot of defense last year, and I played a lot of defense. Last year we played defense and I played a lot of defense in the midfield. This year, I have more space to attack. I'm looking forward to contributing more goals and assists in order to achieve the team's goals!
