Hallo, Niko. Just a few days to go until Christmas. Are you looking forward to the period?
Niko: “Yes, I love Christmas. For me it means family. We all come together in Denmark over the holidays, eat together and exchange gifts. I’ve almost got everything. (grins)”
Are there any particular Danish Christmas traditions?
Niko: “After eating, we all gather by the Christmas tree, hold hands, dance around the tree and sing Christmas songs together, before the presents. (grins) We’ve been following this Danish tradition since I was a child.”
At VfB, the traditional visit to our official VfB fan clubs is a feature at this time of year. What does this direct contact with the fans mean to you?
Niko: “The contact to the fans is very important to me. They support us in every game – home and away – and give us a special feeling. We’re very grateful for that.”
In autumn 2021, you were diagnosed with cartilage damage in the knee. How does that affect you mentally?
Niko: “Massively. It was a difficult period but one that has made me develop as a person. I kept working to get back onto the pitch and be able to show my qualities.”
You made your Bundesliga comeback on the final day of last season, in the 3-2 win against RB Leipzig. How did that feel after 884 days?
Niko: “That was incredible! It was an awesome feeling to finally be back on the pitch with the guys again – and to top it off we won. All the hard work, every second spent in rehab and in the gym, was worth it.“
That was followed by an appearance in the DFB Cup final against Arminia Bielefeld. A perfect end to the season for you?
Niko: “The cup win in Berlin was special! I’m just glad I got to be there. I’ll never forget that moment.”
You started for the first time in the 3-0 win over VfL Wolfsburg. Did you know it was happening on the day?
Niko: “There were some hints in training during the week, but it wasn’t definite yet. Then on matchday I found out and couldn’t stop smiling.”
Someone who’s always believed in you is Sebastian Hoeneß. What do you appreciate about your working relationship?
Niko: “I’m very glad that Sebastian is our coach – from a professional but also personal point of view. Sebastian has always believed in me, which gave me motivation and an extra push. I knew he was behind me. I’m very grateful to him for that.”
You extended your contract at VfB in June of this year. Hand on heart: were you a bit surprised?
Niko: “When I got injured in February again, there were certainly thoughts that my time at VfB could be over. But once again, VfB continued to believe in me. I was very pleased about that. I’m very grateful to VfB and want to repay everything now with good performances.”
You’re fully fit again now. Have you changed anything?
Niko: “I’ve adjusted my diet and am paying more attention to my body. I used to always want more, now I’m a bit more relaxed and cautious. That’s good for me.”
Your first call-up for the Danish senior team followed in November. Is the possible World Cup qualification on your mind?
Niko: “It’s a special feeling to wear your country’s shirt, my family and I were very proud. The call-up itself was a very nice moment – I phoned my mum and she actually cried. Of course, the possibility of World Cup qualification is at the back of my mind. That’s a dream of mine, but for now it’s about working hard and performing for VfB.”