'See who I take to the cleaners first'
The 2018/19 FC Bayern player of the year was Serge Gnabry, one of the faces of the double-winning German record champions. The impressive performances of the winger have not escaped the attentions of KONAMI – the new FC Bayern München platinum partner has made Gnabry their new face: The image of the Germany international is now on the cover of the nineteenth edition of the classic video game eFootball PES. The 23-year-old had to admit it felt "really strange". "Five or six years ago I bought the game myself. You see all the big players on it." Now that he is the face of a new edition, the striker admitted "it's a great honour" to be seen on the global edition of the computer game alongside Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Scott McTominay of Manchester United.
Looking forward to first clash with David Alaba
Gnabry earned his inclusion in this group with an impressive first season at FC Bayern. The U21 European Championship winner of 2017 scored 13 goals in 42 games and also provided six assists. He again and again tied opponents up in knots with his quick sprints and dribbling in the tightest spaces. On football grounds in the country, players like Gnabry are often described as gamers – and the Stuttgart-born player is not only passionate about his performance on the pitch but also on the games console. "When the game comes out, I'll have to see who I can take to the cleaners first," said Gnabry with a smile. There are some real tests within the squad and the toughest opponent on the console is probably David Alaba. "He's one who knows how to play really well but I'll train hard to beat him at the game."
Top the double-winning season
However, Gnabry will not have much time in the coming weeks to compete on a virtual level. On Friday morning he will join the other international stars in beginning the pre-season and he and his team-mates can expect a lot of arduous training sessions in the run-up to the first competitive match against Borussia Dortmund in the Supercup. Gnabry knows what his targets are. "Personally, I'd like to top the season I've just had," he declared confidently – as well as looking to be a key figure at FC Bayern in the coming years.