Kramarić: "I'm very proud of that"

Andrej Kramarić is currently in his 10th season as a TSG Hoffenheim player – and it will be a very special one: The club have marked their 125th birthday by qualifying for European competition for the fourth time in their history. The attacking player is particularly looking forward to the international challenges, as the Croat revealed to TSG podcast "Ein Dorf ist die Welt". "We worked hard every day last season to achieve this. It is always something special to play in Europe," said Kramarić a matter of days prior to the opening match of the UEFA Europa League campaign away to Midtjylland (Wednesday at 21:00 CEST, live on RTL). "We have difficult opponents, it's not going to be easy. But I'm extremely looking forward to it. I like the evening games under the floodlights. They have a special feeling of their own.

288 competitive appearances, 136 goals, 57 assists: Andrej Kramarić is a playing legend in Hoffenheim. The Croat, who arrived from Leicester City in January 2016, has long since been a fan favourite and is regarded by the TSG supporters to be the 'GOAT' (Greatest Of All Time). "It is something very special that the fans here call me the GOAT. What I have achieved here over the course of the last nine years hasn't all quite sunk in yet – that will still take some time. But I've also had to work a lot for it and I'm very proud of that. I would've never dreamt that I would one day be regarded so highly. But I'm still very ambitious and try to celebrate even more successes."

The 33-year-old has continued to delight the TSG supporters this season and has impressed with four goals and an assist in the first three Bundesliga games. "I always want to win. When there's something at stake, I'm fully focused. Regardless of what it is. It does of course also take talent, but you always have to work hard on yourself," said the extremely ambitious Croat in a chat with TSG press officer Dominik Hechler, before explaining why he continues to place an emphasis on additional individual sessions. "I need that. Nothing is a coincidence. I'm not Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, who can change the game so easily. I have to work hard for it. If I'm not top fit and don't complete extra sessions, I cannot produce my best performance. I'm still highly motivated."

With that in mind, Andrej Kramarić is far from considering retirement but does already have plans for the time after he hangs up his boots. "I can imagine becoming a coach one day. I love this sport, football is my life. The job of a coach is very complex, I find it exciting. I want to pass on my experience."

But you can hear more than just these soundbites in the latest edition of "Ein Dorf ist die Welt". Find out who the Croatia international considers to be the GOAT, what he thinks of Thomas Müller – and why the TSG striker has never regretted making the transfer – it's all in this episode. Click here to go straight to the podcast.