Mario Gómez about Bavaria, Jupp Heynckes and the future

With such numbers, you can then go into retirement football.

Almost 500 Bundesliga games and 261 goals, three German champions and two DFB Cup winners, plus 78 appearances for the German national team, European vice-champion and third in the 2010 World Cup: Mario Gómez leaves professional football with an impressive record.

The 34-year-old, who with VfB Stuttgart now made the promotion to the Bundesliga perfect and scored again in the 1-3 draw against Darmstadt 98, wants to take care of his family first – after his announced career end – with his wife Carina Gómez has had son Levi since May 2018.

But the striker will probably not be able to do without VfB in the future – Gómez wants to decide by far about a possible future for the Swabians.

“I told the boys that they can call me at any time if they have a question, but not within the next four months. They belong to my family and me,” he said SWR.

So far, there has been no advice on a role in another function. But Gómez also said: “If you, as a player, have the dream of stopping at this club, then it is very clear that this club is also the first point of contact.”

In his farewell interview, which included SPORT1 Asked questions, the veteran also revealed what he owes to Jupp Heynckes.

Gómez: Maybe soon in front of the door in hot weather

Question: How does it feel to complete such a career?

Mario Gomez: I am very proud of what I have been able to experience over the past 16 years. I met a lot of great people and role models and became a role model myself. I have celebrated successes that I would never have thought possible at 15, 16. I am grateful for every single day, also for the negative moments, because that is how I can better appreciate the positive ones today. I know what it means to be a loser. I don’t want to miss these difficult times – they made me who I am today. I was able to complete all of my missions, which also includes coming back to the Bundesliga with VfB.

Question: What is left in the end?

Gómez: Of course, this time will not come back. It was so many wonderful moments. I will miss these moments, but that was the perfect ending for me. It didn’t feel that bad. Maybe people see it differently because of my past, but I don’t need the limelight. In this respect, this last game didn’t have to be a spectacle – I see the 16 years as a whole. But of course it was a shame for all the fans who were not allowed to be there now. And I have to admit: I had soft knees all week. I always had the dream that I would play at VfB again at the end of my football days. To show that this is my club.

SPORT1: Ex-Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes once again extensively praised you and valued your career …

Gómez: I learned a lot from Jupp Heynckes. He made me a little bit what I am today. He showed me that every player has to be selfish to stand on the pitch. But he also showed me that a team is more than eleven players – that’s why we won the triple at that time. And he did it in a charming and balanced way. I always remember that when things get difficult and stressful. The way he brought us together back then, that’s what I’ve been trying to do for the past two years of my career at VfB. I also owe the job I did here last season to Jupp Heynckes.

SPORT1: And what’s next?

Gómez: We’ll see. Maybe I’m already hot in September (VfB CEO Thomas Hitzlsperger, Anm. d. Red.) outside the door and ask him about an eight-month contract (laughs). Just see Arjen Robben, who has now returned (professional comeback at FC Groningen, Anm. d. Red.). But seriously: it is good the way it is. The satisfaction of climbing up now was gigantic, comparable to a championship. I will come down slowly now, I have a two-year-old son who will set the rhythm. I will spend a lot of time with my loved ones, I will enjoy that. But I know myself anyway: I will of course still not let go and will certainly take on an exciting task again in the future – what will that be? No idea.

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