“This discussion, which took place months ago, about whether we should discuss a boycott internally at the DFB – I’ve always considered that wrong. At the end of the day, you have to separate the two. Personally, even as a young player in the early 1980s, I was against boycotting the Olympics. Because it didn’t achieve anything in 1980 or 1984. I felt it was wrong then, and I still feel it’s wrong now. Because it only harms the athletes and spectators and accomplishes nothing. But I agree that some of the things you read are not pleasant. However, I’m optimistic and hope things remain calm and it will be a great World Cup.”
• On Somali referee Omar Artan, who wasn’t allowed to enter the country: “I would have preferred things to be different. We all heard about that, and it’s not pleasant to read. I can’t comment on the exact reasons why he wasn’t allowed in. I’d like to answer it, and I’m not afraid to answer political questions, but I don’t know the reasons. It’s a bit of a pity. Of course, we don’t approve of what’s happening. But unfortunately, we can’t change it. We’re here to play in a World Cup, we want to play football. That doesn’t mean we’re saying we don’t want to be involved or that we’re not politically interested – that’s simply not the case.”
“We are the wrong people to ask about the problems that have occurred and those that may still arise. My gut feeling tells me this won’t be the last story. We’re trying to concentrate on football and play a good World Cup. We’ll see about the rest.”
