Question: The FIFA Gala is a welcome break from daily life. Can you imagine what it will be like to step on the stage in Zurich?
Keßler: It’s going to be a great distraction from the difficulties. It’s great to be nominated for the award and to go to the ceremony. I never expected something like this to happen. It’s going to be a special and memorable day for me.
Question: Can something like this motivate you?
Keßler: It’s obviously going to be a boost. If someone had told me that I would be nominated a few months ago I wouldn’t have believed them. I have never really thought about winning awards. It was always my aim to play football, be part of a successful club side and to represent my country.
Question: The World Cup takes place in Canada this year. What are your chances of being involved?
Keßler: I haven’t really thought about that. It’s coming up, but we’re not there yet so a lot of things could change. I want to get back on the pitch and help my team as soon as possible and after that my country.
On Monday the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala takes place in Zurich. We will then find out whether Nadine Keßler will follow in Nadine Angerer’s footseteps by being named the 2014 World Footballer of the Year. Her rivals for the title are Brazilian Marta and American Abby Wambach. Keßler has already won the European version of the award. 2014 was successful for the 26-year-old – she won the Bundesliga and Champions League with VfL Wolfsburg.
The latter half of the year was stop-start for the midfielder. Injury means she will miss training ahead of the second half of the campaign. In an interview with the Sport-Informations-Dienst, Keßler spoke about the injury, excitement ahead of the Gala and her chances of playing at the World Cup in Canada.
Question: Nadine Keßler, you picked up an injury at the start of October and won’t have trained before the FIFA Gala in Zurich. How are you?
Nadine Keßler: Obviously it’s not going as well as I wanted, but I hope that I will be returning in the near future.
Question: Throughout your career you’ve suffered with injuries. It can’t be easy for you psychologically...
Keßler: It’s always difficult to remain in good spirits when you’re injured. You just need to keep on working hard.
Question: You suffered a serious injury in 2010 but since joining VfL Wolfsburg you’ve become a key player for club and country. Did the setback inspire you to achieve great things?
Keßler: Injuries like that make you want to get up and carry on. I take some of these thoughts with me onto the pitch every time I play. After injury you see things differently. I enjoy every second I spend on the pitch with the ball at my feet. If you have suffered a lot of injuries you need to train a lot to get back to your old self. Doing this helps your career as well as giving you the spirit needed in daily life.
Question: The FIFA Gala is a welcome break from daily life. Can you imagine what it will be like to step on the stage in Zurich?
Keßler: It’s going to be a great distraction from the difficulties. It’s great to be nominated for the award and to go to the ceremony. I never expected something like this to happen. It’s going to be a special and memorable day for me.
Question: Can something like this motivate you?
Keßler: It’s obviously going to be a boost. If someone had told me that I would be nominated a few months ago I wouldn’t have believed them. I have never really thought about winning awards. It was always my aim to play football, be part of a successful club side and to represent my country.
Question: The World Cup takes place in Canada this year. What are your chances of being involved?
Keßler: I haven’t really thought about that. It’s coming up, but we’re not there yet so a lot of things could change. I want to get back on the pitch and help my team as soon as possible and after that my country.
