Getting to know the stars: Mario Gomez
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Article summary
"The Europa League is a very big dream for our team," said Beşiktaş striker Mario Gomez, who also talked about the moment that almost left him "crying on the pitch".
Article top media content
Article body
We gave fans of the UEFA Europa League Facebook page the chance to ask Beşiktaş striker Mario Gomez their questions in a live Q&A.
Who was your idol growing up?
Mario Gomez: Romário, because he was a fantastic striker. He scored a lot of goals and was such a good player!
Best coach you've worked with?
Gomez: It would be unfair to name just one. Each of them taught me something and made me a better player. If I really have to pick one, I would choose Jupp Heynckes because we won the treble with him at Bayern München.
Who are your top three players of all time?
Gomez: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and the Brazilian Ronaldo.
How is life in Istanbul and what are your goals for this season?
Gomez: Life in Istanbul is very nice but also chaotic because it's such a big city with so many people, cars and houses. The view around the Bosporus could be one of the nicest vistas in the world. People are very friendly and they all love football. My goals for this season are to win the Super League title. It will be hard but possible because we have a good team. The Europa League is a very big dream for our team and fans. Another personal goal is to be able to take part in the EURO 2016 finals in France with Germany.
Proudest moment in your career?
Gomez: All the trophies that I have won, the first UEFA Champions League match I played in – there are so many!
Best goal you have scored?
Gomez: For me, the best goals are those that were the most important to the team. My Bundesliga goalscoring debut was emotional – I was nearly crying on the pitch. Another important moment was when I scored on my Germany debut against Switzerland back in 2007 and my goals in the Champions League.
Favourite song?
Gomez: Changes by Tupac.
Who is the best player in the world?
Gomez: That's so hard for me to answer! I'm a Barcelona fan, so I would pick Lionel Messi. Cristiano Ronaldo is also amazing.
To read more from Gomez, visit the UEFA Europa League Facebook page.