I stand for a Germany that is more colorful, cool, and optimistic about the future.

Messi simply cannot be stopped by yourself. Ronaldo is easier because he is more about athletic prowess.

It is not about classical career questions but about questions for your life. Those are the questions that drive you on as a human being.

I experienced everything at FC Bayern.

When I got older, I wanted to have shoes that no one else had, so I started to choose different shoes; then it followed to my clothes.

I like to watch the NBA.

I think it's very important that you have a good relationship with the fans. You can't lump everyone together as a fan - there are different types of fans - but I think it's important to speak to them and get to know them.

My favorite sneakers, growing up, were always the Air Force 1 and the Air Max line. I started collecting when I was 13 or 14 years old.

It's really difficult for me to watch when I'm unable to play myself.

If I can understand criticism, I take it very seriously. But it's a process; it doesn't happen overnight.

Over the years, you get better at timing because you've been through the situations thousands of times. The ball goes over your head; he passes you on the right, left. Eventually, you just know what you have to do.

The most important thing I learned during games is to be calmer, to try to smooth over other people's or my own mistakes, and not to tackle people unnecessarily. Patience was key for me.

To get the title for your home country in another country like Brazil, the home of football - it was amazing.

When you fall down or slip in a situation, and somebody scores a goal, it's normal. These things happen. It happens to me; it happens to other players, I don't care about these things.

Of course every manager has a different mentality, different philosophy.

It is not a normal game when you play against your brother.

I do feel my African side, but I've always wanted to play for Germany. Ghana did contact me, but I told them and my dad that I was sure I wanted to play for Germany.

When you have two daughters, you are complete. The whole day changes for you. It's a lot about them, how you act, how you feel, and when they were born; it's a completely new situation... Of course, sometimes you have to say, 'No, this isn't right.' But I always wanted to be a young father, and I am very proud of them.

Jay-Z is one of the biggest stars in the world and such an icon. He was so down to earth. It was like talking to a friend. I have huge respect for how he handles everything.

I had injuries - even when I was younger, I had problems with my back. I had to grow up very fast.

Fatherhood has changed my whole life.

It's absolutely fine to be a bit more reactive and not chase after the ball at times. But you cannot be passive.

Keeping up your concentration is one of the hardest tasks when you're a centre-back because a team like Bayern tend to dominate and can give you sense of false security.

I like to play against strikers and think that, from my size alone, I'm more of a central defender.