Leon Goretzka says Trump “makes us feel not only German but European”
Leon Goretzka, the Germany international, said Donald Trump’s actions have left him feeling "not only German but also European", telling Die Zeit as he hopes to make Germany’s World Cup squad in the US, Canada and Mexico this summer. The US president has recently threatened to take Greenland and has called Europe "weak" and "decaying".
Trump also lashed out in December, threatening to stop supporting Ukraine and saying, "many of those countries will not be viable countries any longer" and that their immigration policy is "a disaster". In January he threatened to annex Greenland and in Davos said he would not use force: "All the US is asking for is a place called Greenland.
You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no and we will remember." The Bayern Munich midfielder said he still expects it to be a great tournament and that Trump’s rhetoric has emphasised a European identity. "Donald Trump makes us feel not only German but also European," he said, adding that Europe can show where the power lies on the pitch: "In the most important game in the world, we are still ahead of all other continents" and "Far from being left behind, Europe will show everyone what it's made of on the pitch." The 30-year-old has previously spoken out on racism, diversity and the climate crisis but has become more careful in his public statements.
"When you speak out as a sportsperson you take a risk," he said.
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