A busy first day at work as new signing Thomas Zdebel has to undergo a number of medical tests including one led by the Bayer 04 team doctor Dr. Achim Münster. After a brief introduction to his new team-mates, the 35-year-old midfielder’s next stop was in Cologne where he underwent performance tests.

Thomas Zdebel did, however, have time for a few words with bayer04.de.

Thomas, welcome to Bayer 04. What are your first impressions of the club?

I am happy to be here and I hope that I can live up to expectations on the pitch. I will definitely do my best to ensure that people are happy with me.

There have been one or two problems in Bochum recently. How did it feel to be leaving your old club?

I’ve finished my time at Bochum now. I spent nearly six years at VfL and I experienced highs and lows there. Nobody expected it end like it has but I’m now fully committed to playing for Bayer 04.

How do you see your role at Leverkusen?

I’ve joined a top club and it’s a great challenge for me to compare myself to the lads. I think my experience and way of playing football will help the team progress.

You’ve already had a chance to meet your new team-mates but I suppose you already know a lot about each other?

Of course, we’ve been in the Bundesliga for more than a season or two. That brings respect and even greater acceptance. And Schnix is probably happy not to be the oldest player in the squad any more. But at the end of the day quality is more important age and I think we’ve got plenty of it.