Much has been written about Serge Gnabry in recent months. Things have gotten better and better for the 21-year-old as of last summer: a regular Bundesliga starter, SV Werder’s top scorer, Germany international, and all-round star. For Gnabry, his breakthrough came in Germany. It could be said that he has suddenly become famous, yet he has had experiences from his time at Arsenal and in the London area, about what it’s like to appear in public.
WERDER.DE met Gnabry in Bremen’s Viertel and discovered where the Instagram-lover likes to pose for photos, and discussed the topics of fame and publicity.
WERDER.DE: Serge, when did you realise that people on the street would recognize you?
Serge Gnabry: “It was here, around five, six years ago when I played for VfB and moved house. Apart from that, it was when I began to establish myself at Arsenal.”
WERDER.DE: What did that feel like?
Serge Gnabry: “I find it difficult to explain, and hard to remember exactly what it was like. It’s difficult to come to terms with when it first happens. In any case, it was weird to see people whispering, and then you realise that you’re the centre of attention. You get looks like you’ve never got before. It’s a weird feeling.”
WERDER.DE: Does it still feel weird today?
Serge Gnabry: “No, I don’t think so. You disregard it, because you know that the whispers and looks come anyways.
WERDER.DE: Has it annoyed you before?
Serge Gnabry: “No, it’s not annoying. But as a professional footballer, a public figure, it’s normal to want to go about everyday life as freely as possible. You want to be walking through the streets casually, especially when you’re with your family, but that’s just a part of being known.
WERDER.DE: Have you altered how you behave since realising that you’ll be recognised?
Serge Gnabry: “No, as a person I’ve not changed one bit, but you’re forced to think about whether or not the publicity is something you want. When you’re travelling with friends and family and there’s a rush of oncoming people, they’re just standing there next to me. That’s not so nice.”
WERDER.DE: There are footballers who go to extreme lengths to avoid being recognised...
Serge Gnabry: “I can understand them, but I’m not like that and see it differently. I like socialising with people, I like going to the cafe, even when there’s a lot going on. It’s not a big deal for me. However, I do understand that it doesn’t suit everyone.”
Grown men can enjoy football as much as little kidsSerge Gnabry
WERDER.DE: Is there a difference between London and Bremen in terms of being recognised?
Serge Gnabry: “Yes, I think so because the city here is a lot smaller. In London there are other clubs, and they’re big ones. I already saw a big difference in myself and other players when on the street. In my area outside of London I was recognised by school-kids and people on the street, but when I went into the city or in the South I was recognised far less. That was where they idolised Chelsea players.”
WERDER.DE: It’s not just school-children and teenagers expressing their amazement at meeting you, but also grown men. How do you, as a 21-year-old yourself, come to terms with that?
Serge Gnabry: “It’s definitely surreal sometimes. But in general, I think age has little to do with it when it comes to sport. Grown men enjoy football as much as little kids.”
WERDER.DE: Do you feel like a celebrity?
Serge Gnabry: “No, absolutely not.”
WERDER.DE: But you’re a well-known Bundesliga and German national team player
Serge Gnabry: “I see celebrities on the TV, on talk shows for example. Every day I go onto the training ground and get to work there. And even if I am spotted, I don’t have to talk or perform in front of a camera every day; hence I don’t see myself as a celebrity.
WERDER.DE: Do you find yourself being mindful of the way you act in public, when you’re in a restaurant for example?
Serge Gnabry: “No. I don’t concentrate on how others see me in these situations and act differently based on their thoughts. I eat in any restaurant I want, and I’m not just ordering a salad (laughs). Of course though, as an athlete I do have to pay attention to what I eat.”
WERDER.DE: What’s the deal with fashion?
Serge Gnabry: I dress well, and it’s always been that way. But I don’t dress differently just because more people look at me now. I would say football and fashion are separate, and the second is just a personal interest.”
WERDER.DE: Do you have a role-model?
Serge Gnabry: “A$AP Rocky, a rapper from America.”
WERDER.DE: To a certain extent you just portray yourself as any ordinary person, like you do through social media. How much emphasis do you put in being perceived in a certain way?
Serge Gnabry: “Football should be my main focus, but I’m also interested in fashion. I scroll through Instagram and look through what’s trendy, and search for locations which might be good for photos, and then take a snap there. Why not?”
WERDER.DE: You have half a million followers on Instagram. Do you care about how many have seen what you post? And how many likes certain photos get?
Serge Gnabry: “I don’t think that the numbers are that important to me. Personally, it’s a platform through which I can offer glimpses of my life, not a way to put on a show. There are moments I want to share, and that has more value to me than the number of people who follow me or the number of likes.”
WERDER.DE: Who exactly is the little girl we often see in your Instagram stories? Do you think about the fact that she’s appearing in front of an audience of 500,000 followers?
Serge Gnabry: “That’s my little cousin (laughs). I definitely think about it, or else I wouldn’t have posted it. Family is a part of my life and with these little videos I can cherish those moments. I took her to school, that’s what it was about.”
WERDER.DE: Have you found that you’ve given up parts of your private life because of your fame?
Serge Gnabry: “Everyone has a private life. Of course, I don’t share everything I do with the internet. I happily share times when I’m with people I like, but that doesn’t mean I’ve given up my private life. I decide what I disclose.”
WERDER.DE: What do you think about stories that run in the media, for example those of your girlfriend and her brother, who plays for Schalke?
Serge Gnabry: “There’s no harm in that. She’s just my girlfriend. It’s a find that the media are happy with I’m sure, but it hasn’t changed anything.”
WERDER.DE: What has your career as a professional footballer changed for your family?
Serge Gnabry: “The appreciation around where I come from has changed - no question. Now my parents and family know so many more people.”
WERDER.DE: And within your family?
Serge Gnabry: “Not much. When I’m free I enjoy going to see my family and am often with them. We still always do the things we like to do. They treat me like they did before, and vice-versa. I don’t think you should think about it too much.”
WERDER.DE: As a footballer, and as a public figure, you’re a role-model for many children. Is that something you think about at all?
Serge Gnabry: “It is, I must say, especially when you see just how many children come to you, and how they’re subconsciously influenced by how your behaviour. Regardless of whether it’s on the pitch or on the street, you have to be aware of how you carry yourself and not do anything stupid.”
WERDER.DE: What exactly do you mean by this?
Serge Gnabry: “On the pitch I’m talking about unnecessary cards or poor sportsmanship, but I’m also inherently not the type to lose control over my emotions. Perhaps that’s a bigger danger for others. Through playing football you can afford more off the pitch, and of course I don’t begrudge that, but it’s not something I would display publically. There are people who find like to show off expensive brands...”
