Ronny: "I still feel important to the team!"

Hertha Berlin's Brazilian play-maker is known for his deadly shooting and incredible costless-kicks. Going into his fourth season with the capital club, he sat down to talk with BZ about what has gone before and what is to come for the 28-year-old.

Ronny on; his importance to the team.

For me, everything is good. The team will be better with the new signings, the coach has more options. But all the players that were there before, are also good, and they will do their part to have a good season. I still feel important to the team! My teammates support me and I feel that they believe in me. Even the coach believes in me! The fact is that I can play and improve myself further. "

Ronny on; going back to Brazil and spending time with his family.

"For me it was important to see my family. I get on super with the Germans. But Brazilians are totally different, much more relaxed. We speak to each other much more easily when you meet on the street or at home or when we celebrate together. People smile more and are more relaxed. First, for us Brazilians, comes God. Then, of course, the family. In Brazil it is actually never sad. Why this is so, I can not explain."

Ronny on; 'that' defeat to Germany.

"This was very unexpected. Germany played well. The 7-1 was just too high. We expected a close result, possibly a loss on penalties."

Ronny on; the disapppointment of not winning the World Cup.

"It was huge! The country spent so much money for the World Cup, but so many people actually needed hospitals, social security and more. Therefore, there were already protests. And then we did not get the title..."

Ronny on; who is the best German player.

I particularly like a German who did not play (in the World Cup): Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund! He is the best player in the league for me. I'm a real fan of his. At the World Cup I really liked (Bastian) Schweinsteiger, (Toni) Kroos and (Philipp) Lahm. Schweinsteiger was really good against Argentina."

Ronny on; Germany becoming World Champions.

"They deserved to win. After the 4-0 against Portugal saw everyone that they have what it takes to reach the final. We were happy in the end, that Germany won, not Argentina. Not only because of the rivalry between Argentina and Brazil. It would have caused much more problems, Argentina becoming world champions would just not sit well with us."

Ronny on; this season's aims.

"I am proud of playing in the league of the World Champions. England and Germany have the best leagues for me. This year I hope that we can maybe fight for the Europa League places. "