Van der Sar back and raring to go

The last time Edwin van der Sar played at the Luzhniki Stadium was in the 2008 UEFA Champions League final against Chelsea FC when he saved Nicolas Anelka's penalty in the shoot-out to win Manchester United FC the trophy for a third time. With United missing a clutch of regular players for tonight's fixture against PFC CSKA Moskva at the same venue, Sir Alex Ferguson will be reassured by the availability of the Dutchman for the first time in the competition this season. The 38-year-old, who returned from a finger injury at the weekend, told uefa.com the fires are still burning strongly as he looked back on last season and forward to the challenges ahead.

uefa.com: You were named UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year in 2009 for the first time. How did it feel to win that award?

Edwin van der Sar: Yes, it's very nice. I have had quite a long career, and have won a couple of prizes here and there with clubs, but to get an individual award – and something as nice as this – is a great honour.

uefa.com: To win it aged 38 makes it even more impressive in a way. Does it get harder and harder every year to maintain the standards?

Van der Sar: Yes, I think so. If you see how football gets bigger and bigger, faster and faster, it does get harder. Every year something is adjusted in the game – new tactics, new balls – so it's a challenge every year to make sure you're ahead of your fellow goalkeepers in the team who you play for. In your own league, the Champions League, or playing for your country, you have to do your utmost to prove yourself.

uefa.com: Despite losing last season's UEFA Champions League final to FC Barcelona, do you still regard the campaign as a major success?

Van der Sar: Not a major success. Until that game the whole season went well. We won loads of trophies and only had one game to go, so you always set yourself the target of winning as much as possible. Then in the end you lose the big and, of course, for a few days you feel bad but you have to relax, enjoy a holiday, because the next season is right there and you're starting pre-season and getting ready for another attempt.

uefa.com: How impressive were Barcelona on the night in Rome?

Van der Sar: I think they were very good. The moment they went 1-0 up, they really made it difficult for us. I think for the first ten minutes we had the better of the game, had the early chances and didn't really take them. Afterwards Barça punished us, and sort of left us in their trail. That hurt us quite a lot.

uefa.com: Twice now you've won the title one year, and then lost the final the next. It's well documented that the title has never been defended in the UEFA Champions League era, so how difficult is it?

Van der Sar: Obviously very difficult! I have had two attempts and never succeeded. I think last year was closer than the one we had in '96 [when AFC Ajax lost to Juventus]. Even though that game went to a penalty shoot-out, I don't think we were the better team there. It's hard to take, but I'm back here for a new try.

uefa.com: Last season you had that amazing run of 1,334 minutes in the Premier League without conceding. How important were the United defence in that run?

Van der Sar: I think it was a great recognition for the squad, because I think there were loads of changes in the back four at that time. We had a couple of high-profile injuries and suspensions and the young boys like Rafael and Jonny Evans came in and showed great character. They filled in automatically and made that long run possible.

uefa.com: With Ronaldo and Carlos Tévez gone, how important will Wayne Rooney be for United's bid to reach three finals on the trot?

Van der Sar: Of course he is one of the highlighted players at the moment, after the departure of two other strikers. He's got a lot of responsibility, but he's been in the game for a long time now. I think he's really matured over the last year, and was really looking forward to this campaign – trying to be as important as other players have been at United.

uefa.com: Sir Alex said last December, when you signed your contract, that it would be your last season. When will you make a decision on your future?

Van der Sar: It's always been the case that in December we sit down with the club and see what they want, what I want, am I fit?

And the fire is still burning strongly?

Van der Sar: Yes, I think I have never trained as hard in my life.

To watch part of this interview in the uefa.com Magazine, click here.