No one's saying anything against healthy, fair hardness. That's a part of football. But referees must look more closely and make sure limits are not exceeded.

It's always been that opponents get down to business against Bayern specifically because they want to show how desperate they are to defeat the champions.

We are Bayern. We have the highest standards, and always want to win everything, so the Champions League is a very big target.

I deserved to win the Ballon d'Or.

I won everything I could win with Bayern and individually.

If I decide to leave Bayern Munich, it will be for a Spanish club. I have to think about what my family wants as well and my wife would be delighted to move to Spain. She doesn't like all the rain and snow and is reluctant to go to England.

I am very happy in Munich and my family is totally settled - and now I have a son who is a genuine Bavarian.

It is no secret that Louis van Gaal and I did not get along. But for me personally, the matter is closed and forgotten.

I know there are not a lot of players with my quality in this world.

I always play with character.

I have a really good relationship with Bayern. I might become a coach after retirement, but with the youth teams.

I will play until my knee, my ankle or my back say 'stop.'

In 2008 or 2009, every big club wanted me: Juventus, Inter, Milan, Barca, Real, Chelsea, Manchester.

I was the boy next door who always knew what it meant to have no money. That changed when I turned professional. I was crazy.

This is my face, it is the one people know me to be. I am happy with my face. Why shouldn't I be happy?

You have to be mentally strong to withstand the ridicule of other children and the stares of adults.

You know when you play in Leverkusen it is always a difficult game.

Normally I provide a lot of assists and do a lot of dribbling - but it's always great when you score a goal.

I could play for another club in Europe but my heart is beating too much for Bayern. But I could imagine going to the U.S., Qatar or Dubai for a new experience.

Bayern and I are like a married couple.

I sometimes lose my calm for a moment, but only when I notice that an opponent is deliberately trying to injure me.

I don't have any problem with tackles or duels, but I react when I notice that someone is only trying to kick me out of the game. But I never have the intention to hurt anyone. Everything is forgotten again a minute later.

I am well aware of it myself that I have to be careful. But I want to make it clear that I am not a dirty player.

I am almost German now.