Focused Diego seeing double

In the latest in a series of uefa.com readers' Q&As with the biggest stars in the European game, Werder Bremen playmaker Diego takes the hot seat. The 23-year-old Brazilian international says he has no intention of moving from the Weserstadion, explains why German football is right for him, and admits that 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 between the UEFA Cup and the Bundesliga, which would it be?
Sebastian, Bremen

Diego: I honestly don't know the answer. Both are major competitions and the repercussions of winning either 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?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 Maradona?
Jesus D, San Diego, California, USA

Diego: No relation. It was just a name my parents liked. It wasn't a tribute to anyone.

We have seen you score many spectacular goals. Which has been 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 stoppage time and the keeper 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 question of adapting my style to a different school of football.

Thomas Schaaf has contributed a lot to 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 much more success in Germany than in Portugal?
Mathew, Australia

Diego: Let's just say I have been better received here and that Bremen know how to make 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

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 thing 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 serious 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?
Manuel Miró Miró, Lantejuela, Sevilla, Spain

Diego: It would be wonderful. It's such a big tournament, full of tough opponents. It would mean a lot for Werder.

You are such a great passer of a ball. How much do you practise your art?
Nadire Sahin

Diego: I practise all the time. This is vital 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 as you do?
Zach Cohen, Winter Park, Florida, USA

Diego: I don't see it as something important. I see a lot of tall and short players doing well and I don't think height determines performance on the pitch.

How does the German way of playing compare to the Brazilian and Portuguese styles?
Omar, USA

Diego: The style is really different in Germany. The football here is faster paced and the marking is tougher. It forces you to think much faster.

Which current player would you most like to play alongside?
Kevin Volans, Wolfsburg

Diego: That would be Ronaldo, from AC Milan.