“I just want to be me – Michy” | OneFootball

Michy Batshuayi is enjoying “high energy levels and very good vibes” on a daily basis at Eintracht Frankfurt. Here, the striker talks about his role in the team, the run-in and Tottenham Hotspur.

Michy, you got to know [Eintracht’s eagle mascot] Attila after Saturday’s win over Stuttgart. He took a bit of a swing at you with his wing. Have you forgiven each other yet? “(laughs) Yes, definitely. The eagle is generally my favourite animal, so I want to be close by after every home game. I wanted to stroke him but Attila and I clearly aren’t at that stage yet. It was as if he was trying to tell me: ‘You can come over, but don’t get too close!’”

You’ve been at Eintracht for two months now. How are you getting on and what have you made of your first eight weeks in the heart of Europe? “I’m feeling very settled and happy here. I wanted this change in my life and this new challenge as a footballer. The atmosphere in the squad is superb, which is exactly what you need to deliver good performances and improve.”

How would you describe your role? What instructions does head coach Dino Toppmöller give you? “I wouldn’t say I have a specific role. I just want to be me – Michy. I’m ready to work hard, I always want to improve and I’m always here to listen to my team-mates.”

You’ve played at the highest level in your career, including spells in the German, English and Spanish top divisions. You’ve seen and experienced a great deal. What do you make of your team and team-mates here in Frankfurt? “They’re a young team with a great deal of quality, high energy levels and very good vibes. I feel that energy every day when I arrive at the ProfiCamp. It makes me proud to be part of this group.”

You were recently recalled to the Belgium squad for their UEFA Nations League games. How did that feel? “It’s always an honour to play for the national team. We have a new coach [Rudi Garcia], a new chapter and a new challenge. I’ve spoken with him a lot and get on well with him. He’s told me what he expects of me, which I’m pleased about. It’s now up to me to do what I need to do to get called up again.”

Next week, it’s off to London for the UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg against Tottenham Hotspur. You won the league and cup at Chelsea and also spent time there with Crystal Palace. How much are you looking forward to that game? “I’m really excited. I had a great time in London and have plenty of good memories, but that’s all in the past. This is a new chapter and it’s Eintracht against Tottenham. We want to win.”

Only seven games left – what do you make of your run-in in the Bundesliga? “We’re working hard every day to get even better. We know where we want to end up and we’re all pulling in the same direction to get there.”