Confident Diego seeing double
Thursday 28 February 2008
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Diego celebrates scoring against FC Bayern München on 10 February (©Getty Images)
In the latest in our series of uefa.com readers' Q&As with the biggest stars in the European game, Werder Bremen midfielder Diego says he has no intention of moving despite being linked to a host of top clubs, explains why German football is right for him and admits meeting Rangers FC in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup will be no easy task.
Who was your idol growing up?
Lonki, Pretoria, South Africa
Diego: As a player, Raí. As a person, my father.
If you could choose one piece of silverware out of the UEFA Cup and the Bundesliga, which one would it be?
Sebastian, Bremen
Diego: I sincerely don't know the answer. Both are important competitions and the repercussions of winning them would be great. I'd rather win both.
Do you expect to stay in Bremen in the years ahead?
Cheikh Faye
Diego: Yes, because I'm really happy at the club.
What do you think of your next opponents in the UEFA Cup, Rangers FC?Guilherme Duarte, Brazil
Diego: I have played against Rangers before in the Champions League when I was at Porto: I know how hard it is to face them at Ibrox...
Is your name Diego after the great Argentinian, Diego A. Maradona?
Jesus D, San Diego, California, USA
Diego: No relation. It was only a name my parents liked. It wasn't a tribute to anybody.
We have seen you score many spectacular goals. Which one was your favourite?
Nikos Leon, Athens, Greece
Diego: I would have to say the goal I scored against Alemannia Aachen last season, when I hit the target from more than 60 metres and lobbed the goalkeeper. It was during extra time and the goalie had come off his line trying to score from a corner.
Has the German way of playing and their discipline affected your game?Mohamad, Iran
Diego: It hasn't changed the way I play. It was just a matter of adapting my style to a different school of football.
Thomas Schaaf has contributed a lot for Werder. He adopts an attacking philosophy for his team but as a supporter, I sometimes feel he has to put more emphasis on defence. What do you think of his tactics?
Laam, Hong Kong
Diego: I support his philosophy. We are one of the most attacking teams in the Bundesliga but we have to look after the defensive system too. Thomas is a very good coach. He knows how to balance the two things.
What is the best match you have played in?
Chia Yung
Diego: There have been many games and it's hard to choose. Perhaps our 8-1 victory against Arminia Bielefeld.
What is the favourite moment of your career so far?
Maria Fernanda
Diego: I would say the Brazilian League title I won with Santos in 2002/03, but my time here at Bremen has also been great.
Why have you had far greater success in Germany than in Portugal?
Mathew, Australia.
Diego: Let's say I have been better received here and that Bremen knew how to make the best use of my qualities.
What's with all of the transfer rumours? You have been linked with nearly every top club in Europe...
Joel Whitehead, Charlottesville, Virginia USA
All rumours contain elements of truth and lies, but I am happy to know big clubs are interested in me. That's a recognition of my work
Diego: All rumours contain elements of truth and lies, but I am happy to know big clubs are interested in me. That's a recognition of my work.
Can Bremen win the Bundesliga?
Szőnyei Andris, Hungary
Diego: Yes we can. I wouldn't think otherwise. We have a good squad that is not afraid to work hard for our objectives. For me, it would be a fantastic achievement to win the Bundesliga with Bremen.
What do you need to be a good playmaker?
Kristian
Diego: The main point is to be creative, and not only on the ball. You have to think about what you are going to do before you get the ball.
What do you think about the return of Ivan Klasnić after his life threatening illness. Do you two have a good time off the field together?
Marko Sango, Zadar, Croatia
Diego: It was a personal victory for Ivan. I was really happy for him. He's not just an important player, but one of my favourite team-mates.
As a Sevilla FC fan it would be great to see Bremen win the UEFA Cup this season. What would it mean to you to win it?
Manuel Miró Miró, Lantejuela, Sevilla, Spain
Diego: It would be wonderful. It's such a big tournament, full of hard opponents. It would mean a lot for Werder.
You have an amazing passing talent. How much do you practice your through balls?
Nadire Sahin
Diego: I practise all the time. This is fundamental for every player.
Considering your size relative to the size and strength of many Bundesliga players, how do you think you are able to achieve as much success as you do?
Zach Cohen, Winter Park, Florida, USA
Diego: I don't see it as something that's important. I see a lot of tall and short players doing well and I don't think height determines perfomance on the pitch.
How does the German way of playing compare to the Brazilian and Portuguese game?
Omar, USA
Diego: The style is really different in Germany. The football there is faster paced and the marking is tougher. It forces you to think much faster.
Which current player would you like to be in a team with that you have never played together with?
Kevin Volans, Wolfsburg
Diego: That would be Ronaldo, from AC Milan.
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