Following his move to BVB, the 26-year-old is considered an emotional leader. But the international player is not satisfied with this image alone.
Emre Can has only been with BVB since winter, but he is already a leader.
Since joining Borussia Dortmund, the German international has been praised above all for his fighting class. An image that the 26-year-old now wants to counteract.
“If you define me by that alone, then unfortunately the fact that I can also play football is lost. I am not blind! I didn’t assert myself in Liverpool or Turin solely because of my good mentality,” Can said in an interview with kicker.
Can has retained this mentality from his childhood.
“As kids we kicked on a rubber court and always played a ‘mini world cup’. We would skate until our knees looked bad, but it was always about winning at all costs. I learned this quality on the soccer field – and it went with me everywhere,” he said: “I hate to lose.”
Can: I had offers from the Premier League
When comparing with former Bundesliga midfield leaders like Stefan Effenberg or Mark van Bommel, Can joked: “I can’t remember: Were they as good in football, even bipedal, as I was and as fast? There was “definitely” a certain common ground, but “everyone develops their own style as footballers”.
Can had initially switched to BVB on a loan basis from Italian record champions Juventus Turin in the winter, but in the meantime a purchase obligation of 25 million euros has taken effect. His contract with the Westphalians runs until 2024.
“I’ve always felt an extreme sympathy for BVB. I wanted to join a club for which I can be important where I am needed. That is the case in Dortmund. Borussia suits me well – and vice versa,” said Can.
According to his own statements, he had three offers from the Premier League. “But I haven’t thought about that for a second because of my Liverpool past,” he said.
“I’m Emre, I’ve played in big clubs”
Over the years, Can has had to come to terms with his role as central defender. “Two years ago,” Can admitted..: No, I don’t want to play that position. I’ve become extremely comfortable with it.
Through BVB, Can will also recommend himself for the European Championship. He is confident: “I don’t want to be a player who is only second choice. I’m Emre, I’ve played in big clubs, I don’t have to hide from anyone.”
But first the focus is on the second leg of the round of 16 in the Champions League at Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday (from 9 pm on the live ticker).
“We shouldn’t try to play to a 0-0 draw, we should attack ourselves. We’re always able to score a goal.” BVB won the first leg at Signal-Iduna Park 2-1.