Mario Gómez: "A classic striker will always be needed"

In 2009 he broke the German bank by becoming the most expensive signing in the Bundesliga, the 30 million Bayern paid to Stuttgart. And, although he always figured in the lower categories of the Mannschaft, it was then that Mario Gómez (Riedlingen, Germany; 35 years old) screwed himself into Joachim Löw's attack point. Classic center forward, one of those who makes a name for himself and a name in the rival area, he hung up his boots three seasons ago. He would not have done badly for Germany in its debut against France, short of a shot (1-0). Super Mario, along with Jürgen Klinsmann, Germany's top scorer in European Championships with five goals each, attends EL PAÍS via email.

Ask. Now that he's out of the game, do you miss being on a big date or enjoying the feeling of scoring?

Response. Neither one nor the other. Throughout my career I have experienced everything with great intensity and being very aware of what he was doing. It was a wonderful time, a dream with its ups and downs. But life is always like that; a chapter closes, but a new one begins. And I was really looking forward to this chapter, especially spending time with my family. Now, I watch the games quietly with them and my friends. They are very pleasant nights.

Q. Have you left your Super Mario status behind?

R. A name like that is not something that one gives oneself and then abandons, but that they give it to you from the outside. From time to time I still hear: “Hello, Super Mario!” or “Bullfighter!” So, I can't help but smile proudly.

P. Perhaps they remember you more because there are not so many strikers of your kind anymore, those who became great in the area and finished off more than participated in the game...

R. It is that the tips that dedicate themselves to heading the balls that come to them are already infrequent. But football is subject to constant changes and it happens a bit like clothes, everything comes back at some point and becomes fashionable. There was a time when I was asked similar questions, when the false nine was the ultimate. But if we look at previous European Championship matches, we see, for example, that Lukaku, Weghorst and Yaremchuk were players who came very close to the idea of ​​the pure striker. In a few words, I think that in football there will always be a need for a classic striker.

Q. Well, in Germany, Werner and Volland, the forwards, can be used as wingers...

R. And let's not forget Gnabry. He is an absolute striker. In Germany there has already been a debate about whether a classic striker is missing. But sometimes he is simpler. When I see the assists from Gnabry, Werner and Volland in the last season with their clubs, I have to say that Germany have very good options for that position. In addition, there are other very dangerous attackers for the opposing goalkeeper, such as Thomas Müller or Leroy Sane. I don't think the national team has to worry about shots on goal.

Q. Maybe Löw does have to worry, after losing to France. Don't you think it is a danger for Germany that it is known that the coach will leave the team after the European Championship?

R. I know almost everyone on the team and, of course, the coach. I don't see the danger. In this team there are fantastic guys who want to get to the top. I am convinced that there is no disadvantage.

Q. It has been 15 years for Löw on the German bench...

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R. My coach throughout my career. Without him, Germany loses an excellent coach who has marked an era. That is something that can only be achieved by constantly questioning and reinventing oneself, facing the reality of football and its evolution, as well as growing with it. He is a great coach who has achieved many things, with incredible results in the big championships.

P. Although you lacked to win the European Championship with Germany...

A. But just barely. Still, it must be said that in 2008, the Spaniards were superior to us in the Euro final and deservedly became champions. Against Italy in 2012, and especially in 2016 against France, it punished us that we had several injured players, also some suspended. And the difference was narrow. At that level, the small details are really decisive.

P. Those that led Germany to win the 2014 World Cup. Did it make you angry to miss it?

R. I had a very useful conversation with the national coach and I understood and accepted his decision. I could have questioned it if I had recovered from my injury in time, but Löw only wanted players who were in top form. It was totally understandable. First of all, I was happy that they won the title, for the boys and also for Germany. At the same time, I also realized how much you miss playing for your country. When I later participated in the 2016 and 2018 championships, I appreciated it even more.

Q. Is Germany still a favorite in this tournament?

R. We will see.

P. Who should lead the German team?

R. This team has many leaders. Like Neuer, Müller, Kroos, Hummels… They are players who have experienced it and have won absolutely everything. But it will mostly depend on guys like Joshua Kimmich bringing a whole new ambition to the team. Kimmich is an exceptional figure at Bayern and in the national team; his performances, along with his mentality and his attitude, make him a player who can make a difference in every game. Either directly through an action or by improving the performance of others.

P. Wouldn't you like to see Ter Stegen —he decided to have surgery on his right knee to reach the preseason with Barça— in a big tournament?

A. Marc is an excellent goalkeeper and an absolute team player. But unfortunately for him, Germany has Manuel Neuer in goal, one of the most outstanding goalkeepers of recent times. And, like Ter Stegen, unbeatable.

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