Bremen 'focused on finishing the job'

Werder Bremen playmaker Diego may be suspended for the UEFA Cup final but the 24-year-old Brazilian will still be doing everything he can to help his team-mates overcome FC Shakhtar Donetsk in Istanbul on Wednesday. Here he answers questions from uefa.com readers on the final, his time at Bremen and what the future holds.

What do you think of Bremen's chances against Shakhtar? What is your prediction?
Alexandre Ross, 9, Paris

Diego: I think it will be a great game, with two very strong teams that deserved to reach the final. There is no clear favourite, but I know how hard everyone at Werder is working to win and I trust in my colleagues!

What went through your mind when you were booked against Hamburg and realised you would miss the UEFA Cup final?
Paul Tullet, 14, Berlin

Diego: I was happy because my team were through to the final, but on the other hand I felt gutted because I won't be on the pitch for such an important game in Werder's history. I love playing football and have enjoyed every step of this campaign, even if it meant getting that yellow card.

How can you help your team in Istanbul?
John Drayton, Sydney, Australia

Diego: I am going to Istanbul to support my mates. It will be a very important occasion and I can give them a few words of motivation. I will also be there in the hope of celebrating our victory. With all respect to Shakhtar, I believe Werder Bremen are going to win the UEFA Cup.

What is the atmosphere in the team like ahead of the UEFA Cup Final?
James Butler, 16, Bridport, Dorset, United Kingdom

Diego: The whole team believes we are going to win. The players are really focused on finishing the job in Istanbul. Everyone knows how precious a chance to win a European trophy is. They don't come along every year.

What was the highlight of Bremen's run to the final?
Jordi, Mexico City

Diego: The motivation and preparation of all the players as a team. We are hard workers who know how to put individual strengths to the benefit of the team.

What makes Werder Bremen special as a club?
Tim, 12, London

Diego: The quality of the players and the friendship we have on and off the pitch.

Diego: What has given you most pleasure in your time at Bremen from 2006 to today? Was it the 62m goal against Alemannia Aachen or winning the 2006/07 Player of the Season?
Christoph Thies, 15

Diego: That goal was one of the best moments of my professional career. I still remember fondly the move that led up to it: it was unforgettable. It was the kind of thing that will be hard to repeat. But the Player of the Season award was also awesome, because it is really nice to be recognised for my commitment and love of the game.

What is Claudio Pizarro like as a team-mate?
Luis Guerrero Gutierrez

Diego: Claudio is a very talented player and a good guy. I enjoy playing alongside him and he's very important to the team.

Is there anything to the rumours of you joining Juventus next season?
Frank, Toronto, Canada

Diego: I have not signed anything yet and would rather focus on the remaining matches of the campaign.

Do you think German clubs are underestimated in Europe?
Nils Schoof, 26, Germany

Diego: No. Germany has some very good teams and people know that. The Bundesliga is one of the toughest and most important leagues in the world.

How do you deal with the pressure of playing at such a high level?
Max Troshin, 17, Novosibirsk, Russia

Diego: I love playing and that keeps the pressure low. I have to be prepared and work hard in training. But playing football is a profession like any other: you must work hard to be good.

Who is your all-time and current favourite player?
Fazil Younus, Karachi, Pakistan

Diego: I really admire Ronaldo. He was named World Player of the Year three times: That achievement is an inspiration.