Werder’s number 8 is beginning the next chapter of his journey with the Green-Whites. After joining SVW from Bayer 04 Leverkusen on deadline day almost three years ago and making 86 appearances in competitive fixtures over that time, Mitchell Weiser has confirmed his commitment to Werder after choosing to extend his contract, which was due to expire this summer. The 30-year-old spoke to WERDER.DE about his decision to remain on the Weser and his role as an experienced player on the team.
WERDER.DE: Moin Mitch. The fans have been waiting for this one for a while. Would you like to share the good news?
Mitchell Weiser: I have extended my contract and will be staying here for the time being.
WERDER.DE: We’re obviously thrilled, but for you personally, how does it feel to remain a Green-White?
Mitchell Weiser: Good. It took a little while to get everything in place, but I’m happy that it’s now been confirmed before our final game. It will help me to relax properly over the break and come back with a bang in the new season.
WERDER.DE: You’ve been asked repeatedly over the last few weeks whether you’ll be remaining here or moving on. What was the main reason for your decision to stay at Werder?
Mitchell Weiser: It ultimately came down to the club and its values. I was also pulled in by the challenge of getting the club back to where it belongs. There were many reasons for my decision, including the good work we’ve done with the coaching staff over the past few years, as well as the team itself. I have fun every single day with the boys in the changing room, and nothing beats playing in front of our fans. Also, the city of Bremen and how I ended up here – it was all very random. My journey here isn’t over yet.
WERDER.DE: You said that joining Werder was very random for you. Many were surprised when you came to the club on loan, and it was all very last-minute. It was then confirmed that you would permanently join Werder right in the middle of pre-season. How important was it for you to get your contract extension sorted before the end of this campaign?
Mitchell Weiser: Extremely important. My last two or three summer breaks were all filled with some level of uncertainty. It’s unfortunately quite difficult to switch off properly from everything when your future is up in the air. That was something I really wanted to avoid this time round. I’m happy that everything worked out.
WERDER.DE: You came here with your two daughters and live in Bremen with your family. Does the city feel like home for you now that you’ve been here a few years?
Mitchell Weiser: Yeah, you could say that. It definitely will do at some point. It will be the city that I’ve played in for the longest amount of time. My family feel happy here, and my daughters are slowly starting to understand what I do. That’s definitely special. They’re also Werder fans, and they can keep it that way for the foreseeable future.
I feel like I’m needed, which is very important for a footballer. I hadn’t had that as much before in my career. I really appreciate it.Mitchell Weiser
WERDER.DE: You’ve been at a fair few clubs so far in your career, but you’re now coming to the end of your third season at Werder. This is the first place where you’ve played this many games and performed so well over three years. Can you explain why that is?
Mitchell Weiser: There are many reasons. I’ve matured and am now taking more care of my body. It’s also always about staying fit and healthy. I feel good in myself and am working hard so that I can always perform well. I also have to mention the coaching staff and the team who always believe in me. I feel like I’m needed, which is very important for a footballer. I hadn’t had that as much before in my career. I really appreciate it.
WERDER.DE: You mentioned maturity. You’re now 30 years old and could play your 200th Bundesliga game at the weekend. You’ve certainly got a wealth of experience. Do you take on the role of an experienced player in the dressing room?
Mitchell Weiser: I’m not a loud voice, but of course I have my own thoughts and opinions about how we play football and how the group can and should work together. I get along well with all of the lads. In any case, we’re a group where everyone can talk openly with each other. I’m someone who knows that it’s okay to show weakness and that you can talk about anything. I think the lads have taken that on board and it’s helped us as a group.
WERDER.DE: You spent time with Werder in the 2. Bundesliga, won promotion, and have now secured survival for the second successive season. What are your aims for the future?
Mitchell Weiser: We still have to finish this season, and have something to play for in the final game. Admittedly, it’s not entirely in our own hands, but who knows? Next season, the aim has to be achieving the goals that we still could in this campaign. We need to have this at the forefront from the offset, and it should be something that we continue to work towards throughout the season.
We’re so happy that you’re staying, Mitch! Thank you for talking to us!
