It’s been an eventful few weeks for Bayern’s newest player Nestory Irankunda. After being named the best young player in the Australian A-League, the 18-year-old made his senior debut for Australia and then began his new adventure in Munich. The forward talks in our interview about his first few days in Germany, the importance of family and his goals at Bayern.
Interview with Nestory Irankunda
Nestory, welcome to Bayern. You’ve been settling in over the past few days and have had your first training sessions with the reserves. How do you feel?
Nestory Irankunda: “I feel good, am very happy to be here. I’m excited to get started and work on my fitness and skills in the weeks to come.”
How would you describe your style of play? What are your strengths?
“I feel most at home on the wing, am very quick and dynamic. I also know how I can score goals and set up my teammates.”
How did you react when you learned of the club’s interest in you?
“I was as the Asian Cup when I got the news that Bayern were interested in me. It was sort of a shock when I learned about it for the first time. When I spoke with the bosses, I still couldn’t really believe it. I only really realised it was real after another phone call.”
How did your family and friends react when they found out you’d signed for Bayern?
“They were all really delighted for me, but also couldn’t really believe it at first either. Now they’re very happy about the decision I made.”
How’s it been getting to know the coaching staff and your new teammates?
“They gave me a great welcome and made it easy for me to get to know them. I get on really well with some of the guys, like [Noel] Aseko. I was already chatting to him before I arrived here.”
Have you had time to look round Munich yet and what do you like about the city?
“I was out and about in the city on my very first day and looked at a few shops. Compared to Australia, Munich is definitely not as loud, and the traffic is different. I already like it and am looking forward to my time here.”
Have you been able to soak up some of the atmosphere at the Euros?
“Yes, I've already seen a lot of fans in the city. There's a crazy atmosphere. I also see every day at the Campus and with my teammates how happy the tournament makes them and how they watch the games. It's great to experience it all.”
Have you started learning German yet?
“I learnt German at school, but I've already forgotten most of it. But I started my first German lesson again shortly after I arrived.”
I started on this path in football because of him and I owe a lot to my father.
Nestory Irankunda on his father
You once said that you wanted to fulfil the dream of your father, who also wanted to play football in Europe. What influence has he had on your life?
“He’s very important in my life. I started on this path in football because of him and I owe a lot to my father. I've always looked up to him. It's a great feeling to now be living his dream too, and I want to give it my all.”
You have seven siblings. What role have your older brothers played in your development so far?
“They have always supported me and are my inspiration. I used to watch them train and play when I was younger. We’ve always had a very good relationship.”
You used to prefer playing in defence to attack. How did this development come about?
“When I was younger, I was particularly impressed by centre-backs. Back then, I really wanted to play in the same position. However, a few coaches saw my attacking potential, that I have assertiveness and can shoot well. As a result, I was deployed further forward in the team.”
Is there anything you've learnt from your time as a defender that helps you in your current game?
“Sliding in defensive duels and passion on the pitch - those are two things I've kept since I was young.”
You always do a backflip after your goals. How did that come about and where did you learn it?
“My older brothers and cousins started doing it in the garden. They put a mattress on the ground and practised. At some point, I wanted to try it myself and I did it straight away. Since then, the backflip has been my goal celebration.”
What are your short-term goals at Bayern?
“I want to prove myself here and show why the club brought me in. Of course, playing a Bundesliga game for this club would be a great feeling.”
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