Manuel Neuer
We know from experience that anything can happen in games against strong opponents; nuances can make the difference.Collection: Experience
Food is a passion for me, especially Italian cuisine. I prefer to have somebody cook for me, but I can do some very nice pasta dishes.Collection: Food
Sometimes you can say it is boring being in goal, but what is important is I am in communication with the defence.Collection: Communication
I have three goalkeepers who really inspired me. Jens Lehmann was my idol because he played for Schalke and was really progressive in the way he developed the position in Germany. I also have a lot of respect for all that Oliver Kahn achieved with the national team. Outside Germany, I would add that Edwin van der Sar was a big role model.Collection: Respect
As a goalkeeper, you like to be called upon.
You have to feel comfortable - then you can perform better.
As a keeper, you can't be afraid.
After matches, the highlights show mostly the goals, scoring chances, assists. The spectator tends not to remember that, as a goalkeeper, I make difficult saves at great risk and start moves with my efforts.
Nervenstarke means that no matter the situation, I have to show my teammates that I remain prepared and confident and there for them. They have to feel my Nervenstarke.
You can plan, but what happens on a football field cannot be predicted.
I do everything I can for the team's success.
The goalkeeper always starts again at nil, even when you're 2-0 down. It always starts again at scratch. It's a completely mental thing, and I keep reminding myself of it during matches.
As for being the best goalkeeper in the world, it's been written occasionally, but I'd never say it myself.
In my opinion, it is important to have a stable defence.
I try and help my team-mates as best I can, and I lead from the front, on and off the field.
I am a sportsman, not a brand ambassador, besides being the first goalkeeper of Adidas.
To be a modern goalkeeper, I have to think offensively, to initiate our attacking moves safely and securely.
A keeper has to adjust his game to the team. If the team moves further up, he has to do the same. It's nothing I've invented.
I'm not the sort of person who poses in their underwear.
I do not like the red carpet; I prefer the green pitch.
Before important games, I don't change my preparation.
Obviously, I couldn't imagine that my career would go so well. When I first started, I wanted to play out of goal. But there was no goalkeeper, and the coach put me in goal.
First of all, I am and I remain a goalkeeper, but I try to be involved as much as I can and to help the defenders. I try to read dangerous situations in advance.
I have a lot of respect for Messi and for everything that he has achieved. He is very humble. But it's crucial to show authority when we meet on the pitch and show him who's boss.
For me, the Bundesliga is a great league.
In Germany, the football association is the best.
I want to win lots of titles.
It's obvious you always have to give everything in order to succeed. That's why playing at 80 per cent isn't enough - not against a 'normal' Bundesliga team. You always have to work hard.
Many things are necessary if you want to win games.
I always want to play at the highest level; that's the Champions League.
I love to tackle, especially when the grass is wet, but my main aim is to be a complete goalkeeper who can do everything.
I am convinced by my style of play, so I take risks without much hesitation.
It's difficult to say you can replace Franck Ribery one on one with another player.
Every player has different skills.
I've trained under a lot of coaches and always picked up elements that develop a player.
I am very proud to be the captain of the German national team.
I think as long as I feel good and am able to perform on a high level, I will keep playing because I love football so much. After that, I have many options but haven't set any goals.
Schalke are my club. I used to stand on the terraces as a fan, and I've realised my dream of making it as a pro right here at my club.
The team is the star at Manchester United.
On the pitch, I conduct and organise. I'm loud.
I took responsibility in Munich from the beginning. But I could not walk in with splayed elbows into the club and say, 'Here comes the Schalke captain.'
It's a bitter thing to have one or more defenders missing.
It's obviously very tough for any team to lose on penalties.
I think at the age of 30, you still have youthful aspects, but at the same time, you have gathered enough experience to know how to succeed in life. I like this mixture.
I generally don't think one's age is all that meaningful - there are 50-year-olds who still act and think like children.
I feel fit and well - I know that I have to look after my health, but turning 30 is no reason to start considering the end of my career.
I love playing football every day. I love working hard, I love training, I love the games; I love the challenge. As long as that still applies, I don't see any reason to call time on something that makes me so happy.
I am a professional player, and I will naturally do everything to be in goal.
Lewandowski is one of the world's best strikers.
Winning the treble was confirmation for me that joining Bayern rather than moving abroad was the right decision.