Philipp Lahm

“Except for two years in Stuttgart, I have always worn the FCB jersey.”

“My first club was FT Gern. I joined through my parents and friends. My father played for them and a friend from nursery school took me to training once. I was five at the time.”

“I spend too much time sitting in an office. So I need to play sports on a regular basis, that's why I play golf and tennis.”

“Football is teamwork, unity, defence, assists, sacrifice.”

“I've always said that there will never be an area that I know better than football.”

“I'm lucky to have played two different positions. But of course the experience I gained as a full back - knowledge of defending, and taking up the right positions, helps me as a midfielder.”

“The key is developing your game in both directions: in the build-up, joining the attack at the right moment and also in defence. You have to win the one-on-one situations and need the required pace and technique. These are the decisive factors for a defender.”

“Both football and business are part of my life.”

“Bayern Munich is an attractive club because it has been successful for many decades.”

“I experienced how Pep Guardiola worked every day. He had football on his mind round the clock: 'What system does the opponent like to play? How do I want to set up my team, who do I want in which position?'”

“Sporting behaviour means fair behaviour. This is the player's task, not the referee's.”

“What is a Fuhrungsspieler? I don't like the term. For me there is not a clear definition of the term.”

“You can never know if there will be a second Cruyff, someone with a great personality who can grow up and make it into the squad of the club they love. But what is certain is that, in the Champions League, there will be big clubs producing these players forever.”

“I have no problems with homosexuals whatsoever.”

“Was Effenberg a leader because he projected presence or because he had a presence? There is a difference.”

“Even if I won so many titles, the first title is not forgotten.”

“Big teams need a core of players who have their roots at their clubs, who grow with their clubs and who embody the culture. Representing it on the pitch and outside as well.”

“It's our responsibility as experienced and successful players to manage our powers in order to be able to give 100 per cent in the right moments.”

“I consider it a privilege and duty to pass on the experience and knowledge I have accumulated in 20 years of experience at club and national team level with Bayern and Germany.”

“Those who have achieved success in football have a degree of responsibility to be open and honest about our 'calling,' our passion.”