Stephan, how disappointing is it for you to be leaving Augsburg after only one year?
Stephan Lichtsteiner: I am not disappointed at all. It was clear between me, my family and the FCA from the start that I would only play at the FCA for one year.
–
How do you assess your year in the Bundesliga?
It was a very intense and exhausting year, for a variety of reasons. It was a big personal challenge for me, which I deliberately looked for. There was a lot of fun. I got to know a new mentality, a different kind of football. This year has broadened my horizons in many ways. Playing Bundesliga at 36 is a privilege.
–
Does your goal remain to add another year and then to play the EM 2021?
First of all, I’m on vacation. The season, especially with the Covid-19, was very tiring. I need time with my family and friends. I will have a few talks. Then I decide with my family what to do next.
You are still ten caps away from Heinz Hermann’s record. Do you still believe in it?
Basically, faith always dies last.
Did you talk to Vladimir Petkovic about your future and what does he advise you to do?
We maintain a good, open exchange, which I really appreciate. I will surely meet with him soon to discuss the future with him.
You once said: “I want to make GC big again.” Would you be tempted to return to the record champions even if you stayed in the Challenge League?
The project has to be right for me. I have to be able to identify 100% with the project and the thinking of the people there. But basically yes. GC would be a matter close to the heart, independent of the league.
How do you feel physically? Has your speed suffered since you left Juve?
It is perfectly clear that age does not leave a trace. Of course I feel that too. No question. But still I’m in good shape and I know what I’m capable of.
You said you wanted to continue playing for a year. Is a destination like Qatar, Dubai or the USA also possible – or is it clear that you now want to go to Switzerland with school-age children?
My family is an absolute priority. The children as well and especially my wife, who was a huge support to me throughout my career abroad. Without them it would have been impossible to be successful at this level over such a long period of time. As a family, we will decide how to proceed.
Is resignation definitely not an issue for you? And are you not afraid to damage your monument from the Juve era and with 108 caps?
I’ve been dealing with the end of my career for a few years now. This is not a new thought for me and my family. I am 36 years old today. Most of my life is still ahead of me. Monument?! No. I don’t waste any thought on that. This way of thinking is not mine at all.
–
