At the age of 36, I reached the Champions League final for the first time! Inter Milan goalkeeper Sommer: Going to the finals with his strength, he will study penalty kicks

May 29th Inter Milan will play against Paris in the Champions League final. Inter Milan goalkeeper Sommer was interviewed and talked about his feelings and career journey.

About myself

I have been playing football since I was a child and have been a goalkeeper, dreaming of the arrival of this moment. I love to look through those seasons photos and now I’m at 36 and it’s a special joy.

Do you feel you are at the best of your career?

is hard to say, but I feel very good. I have invested a lot in both physically and mentally over the past few years and feel like I’m at my best. It was a great thing to be able to compete in the Champions League final with this team and I am very happy now.

Regarding the previous elimination of Barcelona

, it was a special moment for all of us, especially after a crazy game, the strong emotion was unforgettable.

You have a photo to hang up: would you choose a save against Yamal or a penalty save against Mbappe (helping Switzerland reach the quarterfinals of the 2021 European Cup)?

I can't choose: That moment for Switzerland was historic, but a save against Yamal gave me the first time to the Champions League final. Both are important moments in my career.

Everyone says that your influence in the locker room is very important, is that true?

Language was a problem at first, and even now I have some difficulty expressing myself quickly, but now it is much better. Obviously, at the age of 36, my role is like other leaders, mainly to help teammates, especially young players. We are a strong team.

Two and a half years ago you also played for Mönchengladbach. Then he won two league titles with Bayern and Inter, and now he is in the finals again. This is a huge leap.

This is a wonderful ending of my career, and I will return to my old court on Saturday: I have a lot of positive feelings. Did the disappointment in the

league turn into motivation to win the Champions League?

We performed completely differently in the Champions League: we performed well in the league, but lost some important points. The situation is different now, we must show the courage and focus we have shown in all European competitions: we reached the final with our strength.

Are Paris Saint-Germain at the same level as Barcelona and Bayern?

Yes, they are a very strong team, stronger than they did in previous years. They have a lot of high-level players. It is important for us to maintain the same energy. We also have some players who reached the final two years ago: Experience may be a big factor. How important is the showdown between

and Donaruma?

This is not Sommer's match against Donaruma. My focus is on our performance. But I'm looking forward to playing against him: we know each other because my previous coach also worked in Paris. I always view him as a benchmark.

Who has the advantage in the penalty shootout?

I don't consider penalty kicks because there is still the whole game to prepare and go, just like when it comes to Bayern and Barcelona. Of course, we will study the penalty.

Your save against Yamal is almost impossible, just like Archerby's goal in 93 minutes: Is this the key to success?

Yes, this is the key to success. It's wonderful to see a team defend and attack like we do. We have to do this again in Munich.

Have you seen that save many times?

I've seen it several times. That save was important, but for me, seeing the team working together, Archerby’s goal put us into overtime and then Flatesi’s goal was even more wonderful. Saving is great, but team spirit – not thinking anything is impossible and always believing in yourself – is stronger. We want to experience this feeling again.