“I feel like I’m 25 again”

What does winning this award mean to you?

I am proud of this award since we have four fewer games in the Bundesliga than the leagues in england, Spain, Italy or France and also I played only 29 games because of injury. After missing four games because of injury, I knew that I could only achieve it if I scored at least three goals in one of the remaining games.

And you did, with three goals against Borussia Monchengladbach on matchday 32, which took you to 39 goals…

I knew then that I had a great chance to break Gerd Muller’s 40-goal Bundesliga record from 1971-72 and win the Golden Shoe to go with it. But it was not so simple. I felt the importance of this record to the German public. It was a tremendous challenge but also provided mental encouragement. That is why these 41 goals were exceptional – and they are also a credit to the entire Bayern team. This Golden Shoe belongs to them.

What is more important for you: to beat