Bayern Munich’s 26-year-old striker Mario Gomez has been having a great season so far and he spoke about his consistency and his club mates.

Ottmar Hitzfeld said you were as important to Bayern Munich as Lionel Messi is to Barcelona. Your comments.
I’m glad to hear that. Ottmar Hitzfeld isn't just anyone, but an expert in football as he has seen so many great players. Such comments shows me that I'm on the right path.

You've been in great form this season. How do you stay consistent?
I just have to ensure that I stay fit. I don’t set any targets for myself and I never will.

What are your tips to the aspiring footballers in India?
One has to work very hard each and every day. But above all, we as strikers must not think about missed chances. Instead, we must focus on the next opportunity.

You are part of an attacking formation comprising Franck Ribéry, Arjen Robben and Bastian Schweinsteiger. What is the chemistry like?
There’s a great atmosphere in our squad! Ribèry and Robben are instinct footballers, but we practice certain moves in training.

How do you compare Asian players with their European and Latin American counterparts?
Asian football has caught up a lot. You see this at the World Cups. There are a number of good Asian footballers playing in Europe — in Takashi Usami we have a Japanese player at FC Bayern.