When I was young, I told my parents, 'I promise you I'm going to play in the Champions League, and for my first match, I'll invite you to come and watch me play.' Luckily, I was able to do that, and I was very happy. It was a moment of pride.
I'm someone who likes to respond to a challenge. I never give up or stop trying, even if things were a little bit more difficult at the beginning.
Nothing is easy in football; it's just about the business of working hard.
Every game you play, you do your best.
Firstly, before every game, I always speak with my mum. She really encourages me a lot. Then, once I'm out on the field, I say a little prayer for my team and for everyone on the field, both sides, so that nothing bad happens, no-one gets injured.
When I used to play against Bayern, Xabi Alonso always used to give me a really hard time. He was so experienced... he made me suffer. The way he'd keep switching play just meant that you could never stop running. He was very intelligent.
Jurgen Klopp is actually more active on the sidelines than some of his colleagues. For us players, this is very motivating. He gives us extra energy on the pitch through his coaching.
As kids, we played on the streets without shoes, and the game didn't stop for oncoming traffic.
Sadio was so important for me when I started at Salzburg, and this is why I say he is my big brother.
When I was small, my local team actually played in Liverpool kits.
