Leweling makes World Cup promise: “I will get the iconic Ronaldo haircut!”
| Jamie Leweling holding up a Brazil kit signed by Ronaldo. | Photo: Alexander Hassenstein / Getty Images. |
At Germany's press conference ahead of the World Cup game against Ecuador, Germany winger Jamie Leweling has promised to recreate Ronaldo Nazário's iconic 2002 World Cup haircut if Germany go all the way and lift the trophy this summer.
The promise comes after the 25-year-old recently received a Brazil shirt from the legendary striker, having previously gone viral for using a fake profile picture of himself sporting the famous hairstyle.
“If we win the World Cup, still a long way to go, I will get the iconic Ronaldo haircut. That's a promise!”
Leweling, who made his World Cup debut against Ivory Coast, stressed that Germany remain fully focused on the task ahead, starting with their upcoming clash against Ecuador.
“You know their players from many European top clubs. They didn't have the best start to the World Cup, but they can still be dangerous. We will prepare solutions to win against them.”
Germany's preparations have been complicated by the loss of Nico Schlotterbeck, but Leweling is confident the squad can cope with the defender's absence.
“I feel very sorry for Nico. He is an important player for us and he would have helped us a lot. But we do have other great players in the team and we will find solutions for the next games.”
He also praised Schlotterbeck for remaining with the squad despite his injury.
“Respect to Nico, he doesn't have to do that. That's a very positive sign to all players. He talks a lot and is a great member of the team.”
Asked about Antonio Rüdiger potentially stepping into a larger role, Leweling was full of admiration for the Real Madrid defender.
“You don't want to be Rüdiger's opponent. He scored against me when Real Madrid played Stuttgart. He is very experienced and I really like him.”
Asked about Leroy Sané and the criticism towards him, Leweling's opinion was very clear: “That was the worst question of them all. Media always tries to find something bad. It's true! As if I would say something bad about Leroy now. Germany and fans should never pick players out to criticise. We are a team and we should be happy that Leroy plays for us.”
"Of course he is my opponent when it comes to the position in the starting XI. A few years ago, I looked up to him and now we are playing together. He has had a great career wherever he played. You can learn a lot from him. We are a team and we will not talk badly about anyone. Germany and German media should do the same.”
Leweling also highlighted the atmosphere within the Germany camp, insisting every player is ready to contribute whenever called upon.
“We have a really great team spirit in our camp. I think everyone can see that. You always have an eye for when you're needed in the game. Whenever you get subbed in, everyone is enjoying playing for Germany.”
The Stuttgart winger reserved special praise for club teammate Deniz Undav, who has been one of the stars of the tournament so far.
“I'm really happy to see Deniz compete with the greats when it comes to goals and assists at this World Cup. He deserves all the praise. Let's see who'll be the best goalscorer in the end… Messi, Ronaldo - or Undav!”
For now, however, Leweling's focus remains on helping Germany progress deep into the tournament.
“I'm happy I was able to get some minutes in the match against Ivory Coast. I'm always happy whenever I can help the team.”
