“Playing for Ghana would mean a great deal to me.”

sv98.de: Paddy, first of all, congratulations on your nomination for the Ghanaian national team.

Patric Pfeiffer: „Thank you very much!“

Please tell us a bit about your Ghanaian roots.

„My mother was born and raised in Ghana. Then she came to Germany – to Hamburg, to be precise. That’s where I was born. But I also still have relatives in Ghana. My grandmother and my cousin live in Accra, the capital of Ghana, as do many acquaintances.“

Have you ever been to Ghana yourself?

„I actually spend every summer with my family in Ghana. Everyone in Ghana is very friendly and, above all, very warm and welcoming. That’s one of the main reasons I go there every year. I use the time to unwind. The weather is always good, and the food is delicious. And it’s always special to visit family, whom I don’t see very often otherwise.“

How proud was your family, and especially your mother, when they found out you’d been nominated to represent her country?

„My mother was very, very proud. It’s one of the best things to be nominated to represent your home country and, hopefully, to get to play. And when it’s against Austria and Germany, everyone is even more excited.“

How did you find out about the nomination? And what was your first thought?

„I had contact with the Ghanaian national team officials a few months ago. They told me they were following me and my games with Darmstadt. When I first heard about the nomination, I couldn’t quite grasp it at first. It wasn’t until a few days later that the feeling hit me: ‚Hey, you’re actually in!‘ And that was a really, really great feeling.“

Otto Addo is the national coach of Ghana. He’s a native of Hamburg, just like you. Do you know each other? And do you know anyone else on the team?

„He was never my coach. He coached HSV’s U19 team back then, but I was a few years younger. We still saw each other quite often and chatted from time to time. We’ve been in contact for a while now, too. Also, a good friend of mine, Derrick Köhn from Union Berlin, is also on the national team. I played with him in HSV’s youth academy. He was also called up for the two international matches. Maybe I’ll even pick up a tip or two from Braydon Manu, who’s also been with the national team before (grins).“

Did you know right away when you were nominated what two amazing matches awaited you?

„I follow the Ghanaian national team, so of course I had both matches on my radar. It was announced a few months ago that Germany would be playing Ghana in their World Cup preparation matches. Naturally, everyone in my family and circle of friends knows about something like that immediately.“

First it’s against Austria in Vienna, then against Germany of all teams…

„You couldn’t imagine a better start to your first time. Austria is a top team. And then the game against Germany – in Germany, no less. It really doesn’t get any better than this. Since the match against the German national team is being played in Stuttgart, many of my family and friends can come. I’ll definitely have to get a few more tickets (laughs).“

The match against Germany is certainly something very special for you.

„I’m really looking forward to both matches. But of course, it’s a special game for me. As a footballer, you always want to compete against the very best. That’s why I’m really excited about the match against Germany.“

There have been a few international matches between Germany and Ghana. What are your favourite memories of Ghana’s games?

„When Ghana played against Germany, they were always fantastic matches. Especially the World Cup games, like in 2010 in South Africa or in 2014 in Brazil, when Ghana drew 2-2 against Germany. The whole family would always get together in Hamburg to watch the games. Of course, everyone was rooting for Ghana and hoping they would advance… (laughs)“

Finally. What would it mean to you personally to make your debut for the Ghanaian national team?

„Playing for Ghana would mean so much to me. Everyone who’s ever started playing football dreams of playing for their national team. If I could play for them, maybe even against Germany, it would be the biggest dream come true for me.“

Thank you so much for the interview, Paddy! The whole club is keeping their fingers crossed for you in the two international matches with the Ghanaian national team.