"I dreamed of playing soccer, and it finally came true."

"I dreamed of playing soccer, and it finally came true."

The German "Kicker" published an interview with Bayer 04 Leverkusen's key midfielder Granit Xhaka on Friday (July 15). "It's a dream come true," said the Bundesliga champions.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen defeated Werder Bremen 5-0 in the 29th round of the 2023-2024 Bundesliga on Friday at the BayArena in Cologne, Germany.

Leverkusen's three points take them to 79 points (25 wins, 4 draws) and an early end to the Bundesliga title race. Second-place Bayern Munich and third-place VfB Stuttgart (both on 63 points) will not reach 79 points even if they win all of their remaining matches.

This is the first league title in the history of Leverkusen, which was founded in 1904. Coach Xabi Alonso and his players have made history.

Xhaka, who joined Leverkusen from Arsenal in July 2023, was a key player in his first season at the club. He was named in the Bundesliga's best 11 in the first half of the season.

Xhaka has been Alonso's 'engine'. He has started all 29 league games so far this season in central midfield and defensive midfield, scoring two goals and making his presence felt in attack. He hasn't tired easily, playing full-time in 23 of those 29 games.

"It's very difficult to find the right words to describe how I feel right now," said Xhaka, who helped Leverkusen to a historic title in his first season with the club.

"It's unbelievable to look back after my first season in the league. We had a really great season and did well in the second half. I'm just enjoying the moment," he laughed.

"When you play soccer at a young age, you always dream of moments like this. "I've worked really hard every day with everyone in this team," he said, "It's special for me because I've been playing professionally for 14 years, but it's even more special for this club.

Nevertheless, Xhaka insisted that he would not be satisfied with the title, saying that "now we want more".

Alonso echoed similar sentiments.

Alonso, who appeared in the post-match press conference with his hair soaked in beer, 바카라사이트 was brief. "It's a special day. We are finally German champions," he said.

"But we want more. We want more. We want to win the domestic cup, we want to win Europe," he added, emphasizing that the season is far from over.

With five league games left, Leverkusen will be looking to finish the season unbeaten. In Spain, Athletic Bilbao (1929-1930) and Real Madrid (1931-1932) accomplished this feat, while in England, Preston North End (1888-1889) and Arsenal (2003-2004) won the title unbeaten.

In Italy, AC Milan (1991-1992) and Juventus (2011-2012), and in Portugal, FC Porto (2010-2011, 2012-2013).

No team has yet won the German title unbeaten. If Leverkusen can win the title without a loss in their remaining five matches, it will be the first undefeated title in Germany.