Seven-and-a-half years, 239 games and 19 goals: Theodor Gebre Selassie has done a lot in his time at Werder. The right-back came to the club shortly after the 2012 European Championships and has since become an integral part of the team. Now the veteran extends his contract and gets another year on the Weser.
WERDER.de spoke with the reserved Czech about his contract extension.
WERDER.DE: This is now the third time that you have extended your contract. What was your thinking behind the decision?
Theodor Gebre Selassie: “There are several explanations for that. My family and I are very happy in Bremen. Of course, we are also pleased with the direction that the club is progressing, and it makes me very proud to be a part of the team, so I am looking forward to my future at Werder.”
WERDER.DE: That’s the key word isn’t it, ‘future’? What goals do you want to achieve with Werder Bremen?
Theodor Gebre Selassie: “The short-term goals are very clearly defined. We want to continue to fight for European places, no matter what the public think or what the league table says. If we give it our all, I think we can do it.”
“Bremen will always be a part of our lives.”Theodor Gebre Selassie
WERDER.DE: Since you joined Werder, you have scored 19 Bundesliga goals, but none in the DFB-Pokal. Is that maybe an extra incentive for you?
Theodor Gebre Selassie: “Really? I did not know that. But no, that’s not necessarily an incentive. To score a goal is always nice, but the team is always at the front of my mind. I definitely want to achieve something with Werder in this competition. In an ideal world it would be getting to the final in Berlin. That’s one of our goals.”
WERDER.DE: You have always said that your family have played a large role in your decisions...
Theodor Gebre Selassie: “Yeah, that was a large factor in my decision. Our oldest son Noe feels very happy here and will probably start school soon. He is very happy, and that’s another reason why we decided to stay here for another year.”
WERDER.DE: After Claudio Pizarro announced his intention to retire in the summer, you would be from that point onwards the player with the most appearances for Werder Bremen. What would that mean to you?
Theodor Gebre Selassie: “I’ve been here for a long time and I’ve been through a lot. I am happy and I want to collect more appearances throughout the season.”
WERDER.DE: You have spent the longest period of your career here. What does the city of Bremen mean to you?
Theo Gebre Selassie: “Being here for seven years is a very long time. Bremen is our second home, that much is clear. We have found friends over the year and enjoy it here. Bremen will always be a big part of not only mine, but our lives.”
