"Fantastic challenge to try and bring the 2024 European Championship to Germany"

The DFB-Bundestag have named World Cup winner Philipp Lahm as the sixth honorary German captain and ambassador for the Euro 2024 bid. We spoke to the former captain about the two honours and the values of football.

Question: Mr. Lahm, you have been named as honorary Germany captain by the Bundestag. What does this mean to you?

Philipp Lahm: It’s something really special to be named alongside the likes of Fritz Walter, Uwe Seeler, Franz Beckenbauer, Lothar Matthäus and Jürgen Klinsmann. It’s a great honour.

Question: And you are no longer just an honorary captain, but also an official ambassador for DFB’s Euro 2024 bid. How do you see yourself in this role?

Lahm: I am pleased about being given this task, it’s a fantastic challenge to try and bring the European Championship to Germany. I want to be part of a team. I remember very well what it meant for Germany to host the World Cup in 2006. I want to help make this possible for a new generation. Not just a new generation of players, but of fans as well, for everyone in Germany. It’s very special to have a tournament like this played on your doorstep. It’s my aim to get the whole of Germany excited for the 2024 tournament when we submit our bid to UEFA next year. It’s on us now, to promote the values of football.

Question: Which values are those?

Lahm: Football is a game that connects us all, breaks down all barriers. In such uncertain times, rules, respect and togetherness become more important. Football has added value in this regard; it integrates.

Question: What makes Germany worthy of hosting the 2024 European Championship?

Lahm: In Germany we have an exceptional and modern infrastructure, we’re good at organising and we have the necessary experience. We can refer them back to 2006 to show what an open, tolerant country we are, how hospitable we are.