…his seven years at Leverkusen: There were lots of emotional moments on the pitch including my first Champions League game at Chelsea just four weeks after my Bundesliga debut. We had successful times as a team but also a couple of difficult phases. But regardless of the results: I made so many new friends in Leverkusen – not just amongst teammates but also amongst members of staff. I'm still in close contact with a lot of them. I came as a teenager and left as a grown-up, experienced Bundesliga player. It was a time that shaped me in every respect. I became an international player here and got to know my wife in Leverkusen; she was born in Leverkusen.
…what he misses about Bayer 04: Above all, the many friends I don't see as often now. But also celebrating with the fans after wins, singing with them after the game and the Mexican waves. It's a bit different in England. Here you are more likely to get polite applause. And, to be honest, what I also miss is currywurst at the BayArena.
…London and Arsenal: London is a great city to live in. My wife and I really enjoy private life here. But I also feel very good from a sporting perspective. Last year was a bit of a mixed bag for us and unfortunately we went out of the Europa League in the semi-finals against Villarreal and only finished eighth in the league. But the Premier League is extremely exciting and is the best league. It's much tougher than the Bundesliga. It's brought me on as a goalkeeper and helped me to improve. It was definitely the right move to go abroad. Not just because of the sporting challenge but also because of the new life experiences.
