Kuba: I didn't expect that I would have a farewell match; the meaning of playing football is to get recognition from the fans

Borussia Dortmund held a farewell match for Kuba and Piszczek. After the match, Kuba was interviewed by the Polish media SportowyFakty, talking about the fans' love for him, his feelings when participating in the farewell match, and some behind-the-scenes stories about the match.

This is your third farewell since retirement.

Coach Klopp joked to me: "Kuba, you have more farewell matches than you have played well." This is true.

What did you feel when you walked into the full Dortmund stadium?

It was very special. I think it may take a few days to fully experience these feelings. The emotions were very strong and could not be controlled at all. I tried my best to cherish this opportunity to be able to play in front of such an audience for the last time. Sometimes people don't want to say goodbye, but they have to face it.

To be honest, I didn't expect such an event. When someone suggested a farewell match, I started to wonder if I really deserved such a big occasion. But seeing the full stadium and the desire to say goodbye to me and Piszczek, I was convinced that it was worth it.

You already have your portrait on the stadium, and during the games, the fans often shout your name. What do you think about in moments like this?

I think about successes, but mainly about difficult moments. It is moments like these that train the team the most. In 2008, Klopp joined the team and it took us some time to understand his philosophy of the game. In the end, we achieved good results. I don't keep in regular contact with many of the players in the team at that time, because everyone has their own life, but in training and games, we have regained the tacit understanding and atmosphere of more than ten years ago.

Piszczek returned to Dortmund as assistant coach. Did the club ask you?

I still need some time to breathe. My entire career has taken a lot of toll on my health. I need to stop and think about the future from the perspective of an outsider, and even let myself start to miss football a little. Now I want to focus more on my family and try to find my own direction.

Dortmund fans call you and Piszczek "legends". Do you feel that way?

I just try to do my job. And the fans recognize me? That's great. This is what playing football means. I am happy with such names and the love of the fans.

I can only thank them for coming to the stadium and thank them for their affirmation of us over the years. Not everyone can say goodbye in such an atmosphere. I had goosebumps all Saturday. I could feel something special approaching. When I walked into the stadium of Dortmund and played for these fans, it felt like I was pushed to run.

Who do you think among the players who played in the farewell game is capable of signing for Dortmund, even for half a year?

Grosicki is in good shape, that's obvious. So is Vasilevskiy. I joked that I probably made the best transfer choice for the club. You can see the difference between the players who are currently playing and those who have retired. I lacked a bit of energy, for example.

How was the starting lineup chosen? Was it decided by coach Klopp?

Around noon, five hours before the game, we sat down with coach Klopp for a coffee and started thinking about who could last the full 90 minutes. From there, we analyzed the lineup. Klopp was in my team because Piszczek knew that if Klopp was in his side, he wouldn't be able to adjust the lineup in the team. I'm happy that so many players came to this game. Some even flew from Brazil or Argentina and they did it for us. These brothers showed their respect for us.

Is this the last farewell game of your career?

It doesn't look like it will be again... I'm emotionally exhausted.

Reference source: SportowyFakty