Interview with Lukas Podolski about Bastian Schweinsteiger (3. August 2016)
I translated the interview for all non-German-speakers (sorry for my mistakes!) ENJOY :)
Mr. Podolski, as Bastian Schweinsteiger announced his retirement, you posted „brother, best friend, teammate, roommate and world champion“ on Facebook. More than that is not possible, is it?
Lukas: Both of us were united by twelve beautiful and successful years. And the invitation to his wedding in Venedig showed me that we are more than just teammates. This was an invitation to a friend and that`s the reason why it means so much for me. So it was very important for me to take part together with my wife, despite of the birth of our daughter and the long European Championship.
You also thanked Schweinsteiger for being part of the legendary world champion – selfie in the Macarana-Stadium. Why is this photo so special for you?
Lukas: Schweini and I have been working for over 10 years to hold this trophy in our hand. I remember that my son, who came on the pitch after the final whistle, had got to go to the loo. I took my phone and went down with him to the cabin. After we were coming back through the tunnel, Schweini stood in front of me with the trophy. I collared him and we made the first selfie of a worldchampion from Rio, that went around the world.
The world cup title was the peak of your common career. Do you remember your first encounter with Schweinsteiger?
Lukas: That must have been in 2004 during the U21-European-Championship in Germany. Uli Stielike invited us, but during the tournament the manager Rudi Völler nominated us. I remember that Basti and I were chauffeured to the A-national team together. That was indeed very exciting for us. We were allowed to celebrate our debut during the test match against Hungary. Basti was brought on after the half time. I was brought on after 70 minutes. After just one appearance, we were suddenly in the squad for the European Championship in Portugal. That was the beginning of two German nationalteam careers that should outlast more than 100 international matches in each case.
Together you challenged 4 european and 3 world championships. How was it to join up with the national team?
Lukas: There was no youth mania like today. Together with Lahm, Schweini and me were the youngest in the squad by far. Back then the respect for the experienced pros was very big. Big names like Kahn, Ballack or Schneider walked around in the quartier. During the training, it was self-evident for Schweini and me that we cleared up the balls and cones. But we didn’t get this European Championship ticket because we were this young. We got the chance when we were 18 years old and we took it. We were just good – and we are still good today.
The European Championship 2004 ended disappointing with an elimination in the first round. Völler retired, Klinsmann and Löw took over. It was the beginning of an era that triggered a „Poldi and Schweini“ hype.
Lukas: Can’t be said otherwise, it was a very big hype around us. From the Confed Cup on it was awesome. After that I can’t remember any other player of the national team experiencing this. This was not only continuing during the Worldcup 2006 in Germany.  Also during the travel to Asia with FC Bayern München, Schweini and I wondered how mad they were even there on us. We totally enjoyed it. But we didn’t bask in the hype’s favour, we payed it back with performance, goals and assists.
What was the secret of success of your duo?
Lukas: We just conveyed the joy we have when we play football. Before that, the success of the German National Team was defined by fight and commitment. We also showed these german virtues but we let the fans feel: successful football can also make fun! Maybe the nationalteam needed exactly this at that time.
You had also fun after winning the world cup when you were both kissing the pop star Rihanna. How did it happen?
Lukas: Schweini and I were standing there together with other players when Rihanna shouted to us. We shall kiss her left and right on her cheek. Rihanna is just 2 or 3 years younger than us. Obviously she didn’t miss the „Poldi and Schweini“ hype since 2004.
The European Championship was a rather hard tournament for both of you.
Lukas: Obviously the tournament in France was neither easy for Schweini nor was it for me. We both played very little time. The decision was definetly not easy for Jogi Löw, he never had so many good players before in the squad. From all our tournaments the European Championship was the one we both expected more of. We even shared this experience. I will miss Schweini very much.
Who would be the suitable successor for Bastian as the captain?
During the European Championship, Jogi Löw appointed Manuel Neuer as substitute of Schweini, so it would be consecutive if he becomes the new captain. But only Jogi Löw will make this decision.
How would a national team look like without you and Bastian Schweinsteiger?
I just can say: no Poldi, no party!
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