It will be a surreal situation for all involved when SV Werder face FC Köln on Sunday. Now a Billy Goat, Claudio Pizarro, wore the Werder crest on his chest as recently as last season. Many Werder fans look back at the “Piza” days with a big grin and fond memories. It’s no wonder why: the living Werder legend spent eight years as a Green-White, playing 271 games, scoring 144 goals and lifting the DFB-Pokal trophy in 2009.
The former Werder player spoke to WERDER.DE for a short 90-second interview before Sunday’s match.
WERDER.DE: This match will certainly be a special one for you. What are you thinking going into the game?
Claudio Pizarro: “Of course it’s a special match for me. I played in Bremen for a long time and I have a lot of friends there. Still, I’m here in Cologne now and we want to win the game with the fans behind us.”
WERDER.DE: Did you think you’d ever play against Werder in your career?
Claudio Pizarro (grinning): “No, I didn’t think I would, but anything can happen in football. I have to play against Werder now and try to score some goals.”
WERDER.DE: Have you talked to your old teammates about the game?
Claudio Pizarro: “Yes, but not this week. I always like chatting to my ex-teammates, but I avoid it in the week before playing against them.”
WERDER.DE: How would you react if you score against Werder?
Claudio Pizarro: “I definitely wouldn’t celebrate; that would be disrespectful to the fans and the club, but I would be very happy for my team on the inside.”
WERDER.DE: Your oldest son is a Werder fan. What do you think he’ll be thinking during Sunday’s game?
Claudio Pizarro: “That’s right, he is a Werder fan. He’s in England at the moment and he’ll definitely be watching the game on TV, but I’m sure he’ll be happy if his dad wins.”
WERDER.DE: The World Cup in Russia is next year. How much would it mean to you if Peru qualify?
Claudio Pizarro: “It’s a childhood dream for me. Peru have the opportunity to qualify now, the chance is there for the taking and I hope the coach picks me to play.”
