Christo’s first interview: “I didn't have to think for long"

Christopher Nkunku is back in Leipzig! In the first interview since his return, the 28-year-old speaks about why he didn't have to think for very long about a potential return, who he's most looking forward to seeing, and his stand-out moment from his first four years with the Red Bulls.

Christo, you're back in Leipzig after three years. What were your first thoughts when you found out you were really coming back? 

• Christo: "Immediately I could only think about the positives. A lot of special memories come to mind when I think about Leipzig, including in my personal life. It's the place where I developed most as a player. When the chance presented itself, I immediately knew I wanted to come back. I didn't have to think about it for long." 

How did it feel when you saw the training ground and the Red Bull Arena again?

• Christo: "As soon as I landed at the airport I had the feeling that I know this place and everything here is familiar to me. Leipzig was a very important chapter in my life and also in my career." 

Have you already been in contact with your former teammates prior to your return?

• Christo: "Yeah, a bit. I spoke to Willi and Benny. They were obviously curious and wanted to know if I was coming back and what the situation was. At the time I couldn't really tell them anything. But now I'm back and I'm really looking forward to it." 

Who are you most looking forward to seeing now you're back?

• Christo: "I'm looking forward to seeing everyone, really. Obviously there are some players who I've played with before. But I'm equally looking forward to working with the whole team and getting to know my new teammates."

You spent four years here in Leipzig, won two titles and played in plenty of big games. Is there a moment which particularly sticks out for you?

• Christo: "There were a lot of special moments. If I had to pick one, it would probably be our first Pokal title. We were 1-0 down in the final and I scored the equaliser. Then it went to a penalty shootout. It was a really long and intense game, but by the end, we had won the first title in the club's history. That game will always be a special memory for me." 

The fans know the Christo who left Leipzig in 2023. Has anything changed for you since then? Which version of Christo can they look forward to now?

• Christo: "I've gained a lot more experience in the past few years. After I left, I experienced and had to become familiar with things that were new to me, and I bring those experiences back as a positive. But when it boils down to it, I'm still the same guy. I want to have fun on the pitch, make the fans happy and reach our goals as a team. That's where my focus is." 

What have you missed about Leipzig? Is there a place, a restaurant or something else which you're particularly looking forward to visiting again?

• Christo: "There's a lot I've missed about Leipzig: the people, the parks and even just life here. I'll definitely have to go back and have a look at where I used to live. I'd like to go back there one more time and take it all in. I'll also go to the shopping centre in Goerdelerring because there was a really delicious Italian restaurant there last time I was here. I hope it's still there (laughing)."

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