Cedrick Makiadi joined SV Werder Bremen Friday afternoon for the next three years. The 29-year-old was very important in Freiburg where he even wore the captain's band for a while. WERDER.DE spoke with the new acquisition.

Cedrick, you are transferring within the Bundesliga from Freiburg to Bremen. Why did you decide on Werder?
Cedrick Makiadi: "Werder played under their capabilities last season without a question. I think the ‘new project' in Bremen is very exciting, it intrigues me. The club has a lot of potential. I would like to help Werder return to their successful times."

Robin Dutt knows you from spending two years together in Freiburg. How much did the new Werder coach help you?
Cedrick Makiadi: "When I went to Freiburg, I was 25 years old. Robin Dutt brought me in back then after I was the scoring champion for Duisburg. In Freiburg he changed me from a striker to a defensive midfielder. And that hasn't changed since. Back then he saw a different component in me, gave me another role. You can say that he inspired me in my life as a footballer."

Which other Werder players do you know personally, have there already been contacts?
Cedrick Makiadi: "The only one I know personally is Assani Lukimya. He also used to play for the Congolese national team. I would describe our relationship as a friendship. But we haven't talked yet about my transfer. I wanted to figure everything out in peace. But I will call him soon." (laughs)

Despite your four years in Freiburg, people could describe you as a northern German, right?
Cedrick Makiadi: "Yeah, absolutely. I am very happy about returning to the North. I grew up in Lübeck and spent six years in Wolfsburg. The northern German mentality fits me. So I really won't have to get used to things." (laughs)

When will you make your way to Bremen?
Cedrick Makiadi: "I am with the national team right now until 16 June. We are preparing right now in France for two qualifying games for the 2014 World Cup and will play in Libya and at home against Cameroon. After that I will fly back to Germany and spend my holiday with my family."