Football-Mario Götze meets young Seychellois footballers |06 February 2012

Out for two months because of a pubic bone injury and asked not to train by club doctor Markus Braun, the 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder gave out signed footballs to the young players at the Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) headquarters at Roche Caïman and took souvenir photos with those present.

Götze, who is holidaying at the Sainte Anne Resort & Spa, was accompanied to the Maison Football by the resort’s general manager Norbert Couvreur and received from SFF secretary general Jemmy Adela a Seychelles national team T-Shirt with his first name – Mario – written at the back.

According to his club, Götze – labelled one of the greatest talents ever to emerge from Germany by former Borussia Dortmund and Germany defensive midfielder and captain Matthias Sammer – needs two weeks rest before he can start rehabilitation due to a "stress reaction'' and "overload'' in the pubic bone.

Despite the injury, Germany head coach Joachim Loew has reassured the youngster that he is still in his plans for Euro 2011. He has won 12 international caps with Germany.

Götze, who is wanted by a host of Europe's top clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United, said “Seychelles is a very nice place”.

 “I have to come back to Seychelles,” Götze told Sports Nation and this might probably happen after Germany’s win at the forthcoming Euro 2012.

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Interview with Borussia Dortmund’s and Germany’s attacking midfielder Mario Götze

‘Germany can win Euro 2012’

Sports Nation: Why did you choose to come to Seychelles?

Mario Götze: I did not plan to come here. My coach (Jurgen Klopp) told me that because I’m injured and need to take a complete rest I should go on holiday as I won’t have time during the summer for I will be playing at the European Championship (Euro) 2012 with Germany. So I decided to fly to Seychelles to get some sunshine.

Sports Nation: Speaking of injury, how is your rehabilitation going?

Mario Götze: I’ve not started rehab yet. I need to rest first. I’m suffering from a pubic bone injury. I’m not too sure when to start rehab but I hope to get a positive answer in the coming weeks. It’s not easy being out injured.

Sports Nation: A number of Europe’s elite clubs have been queuing up to sign you. Will you be leaving Dortmund at the end of the season?

Mario Götze: There have been a lot of rumors lately. But I can’t hide away from the truth saying I don’t want to experience another league. I like the English Premier League with teams like Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal. The Spanish Liga is also very interesting. I have a contract with Borussia Dortmund that runs until 2014 and I’m happy with the team right now. My family and my friends are in Dortmund and I love it there.

Sports Nation: As a young footballer, who do you think is the best club team in the world?

Mario Götze: (He laughs)… I think that’s clear, Barcelona are the best team. There’s no question about it. They have quality players and I like their philosophy of football.

Sports Nation: How do you fancy Germany’s chances of winning Euro 2012?

Mario Götze: I hope we can play well and put together some good results in the championship to stand a chance of winning. Germany have a very young and talented team. I’m positive about our chances.

Sports Nation: And can Borussia Dortmund, who went top on Friday, retain the German Bundesliga title?

Mario Götze: Like the Germany team, Borussia Dortmund also have a lot of young players in their ranks. We play good football. We need to win our remaining matches and I’m confident we can do it.

Sports Nation: Coach Jurgen Klopp’s contract with the club has been until 2016. Is this a good thing for you?

Mario Götze:  Of course yes! He has been very good to me and was there when I played my first professional game for Borussia Dortmund. I know he can do a good job for the team.

Sports Nation: Finally, how do you cope with the pressure of being Germany’s rising star and one of the brightest young talents in world football?

Mario Götze: It’s not easy. I try my very best to cope with all the pressure that come with the rising star tag, but I keep myself focused on what I have to do – play football and entertain the fans.

G. G.