Günter on scoring screamer: "I had a lot of time to practice shooting."
SC Freiburg captain and eight-times-capped German international Christian Günter picked the perfect time to score what was just his 11th Bundesliga goal in 307 total league appearances last night.
Speaking to the DAZN microphones afterwards, the 31-year-old conveyed what it felt like to score a stunner after such a long injury layoff.
In just his third start of the season, SC Freiburg captain Christian Günter scored an absolute screamer last night to put his side ahead 1-0 at home against the mighty German giants FC Bayern München. The visiting Bavarians very nearly turned the game around with a sublime goal from their own super footballer Jamal Musiala, but the hosting Breisguaer were able to secure a draw in the end.
Speaking to the DAZN microphones afterwards, the 31-year-old conveyed what it felt like to score a stunner after such a long injury layoff.
It's been a highly disappointing season for the locally-sourced Günter. The native of nearby Villingen-Schwenningen has had to set out most of the year after fracturing his forearm twice. The 31-year-old still plays with a protective cast covering his entire right arm. Günter picked a perfect time to score what was only his 11th top-flight goal in 11 top-flight seasons spent representing his academy club.
It appeared as if - after a series of incredible saves from FCB keeper Manuel Neuer - the hosts would simply not grab the opening goal. Günter ultimately found a way past Neuer with an unstoppable first-time hit from 18 meters out that he plucked out of midair. SCF teammate Vincenzo Grifo was the first to congratulate his skipper in his post-match interview. Günter himself commented later.
"He's been through a very tormenting time," Grifo said of his colleague and friend, "but he's back now. He worked his way back trained hard and rewarded himself with a goal like that today. I give him my heartfelt congratulations!"
"A was a little surprised myself," Günter added later, "I struck the ball very well. [After my time on the sidelines] I've had a lot of time to practice shooting. I suppose it was about time for one to go in."