By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 27 (Xinhua) – Emil Forsberg seems to enjoy his life as a football player more than ever in his career.
“What can I say? It’s perfect; it feels perfect and we can win titles. Can’t imagine anything better,” the 30-year-old said ahead of his club’s first Euro League semi-final against Glasgow Rangers this Thursday.
It has been developed for the Swede lately.
“Euro League; the German Cup – it feels great to have so many opportunities”, he said, mentioning that his team’s third goal is to take a Champions League qualifier in the national league.
It somehow feels like a late harvest, he says with a twinkle in his eye. “I’m not that old, but I’m 30. And with my contract extension until 2025, somehow came the ease.”
It may sound wired, he added, but this season he seems to have settled in Leipzig even though he has been around for seven years already. “My family is fine; we play great football and the doors seem wide open to get some silver,” said the striker.
After a fantastic European Championship 2020, Forsberg was named Swedish football player of the year 2021.
“I do not see myself playing anywhere else. It can come with the years that you calm down and enjoy creating title alternatives. At a younger age, you live a lot now,” he said.
The entire “Forsberg package” is almost complete, he says. “There don’t seem to be any age limits anymore. I might play to 40, just like Zlatan,” he adds.
Having scored an important goal as the winner against Union Berlin in the German Cup semi-final triggers further energy. Now the league rival Freiburg is waiting in the German cup final on May 21 in Berlin.
As a side effect, Leipzig’s team gained valuable self-confidence.
The latest upsurge in the national league and international competitions makes the club talk about wanting to continue on the road in the Euro League and reach the final.
With trophies within reach, “you begin to think about how it feels to lift them.”
After two lost finals in the German Cup against Dortmund and Bayern, Leipzig seems determined to turn things around in their favor this time.
When it comes to the Euro League semi-final, the German club feels ready to face a passionate Scottish team.
Possibly playing a German final against Eintracht Frankfurt seems to increase the excitement. Frankfurt face West Ham in the last four rounds.
“We are aware that the next step against Rangers is required to kick the can on the road,” said Forsberg. When it comes to passion and determination, the Glasgow side is a role model for everyone else, he adds.
It could take a perfect 90 minutes this Thursday against Glasgow with the second round left. Forsberg admits that he is full of joy when he thinks of the upcoming duels.
Everyone in his squad is completely focused, he says. “We see the excitement around the club, the fans, the staff, us. This says you should invest everything you have when you are on the pitch.”
Source: sn.dk