On September 29, 2024 (CEST), FC Bayern Munich officially released the latest club magazine "Säbener 51," which features an exclusive interview with Nathaniel Brown about his development.

Everyone thought Bayern was signing a new left-back, but then you came to play in the number 10 position. If someone asked what type of player you are, how would you answer?

"I would say I'm a smart player (laughs). I've always been happy playing football. My mindset is focused on attacking, and I'm very determined. Whether it's defending or attacking, I want to use my abilities to have an impact on the game."

You used to play as a midfielder when you were younger. So why did you become a left-back?

"When I was in Nuremberg's U17 youth team, I was still a number 10. But I realized I might not have been good enough for that position, and I might not have gotten many playing opportunities. At that time, two left-backs in the team were injured, and our coach, Peter Geydarov, suggested I play left-back."

"I played quite well, and he always believed in me. That's why I'm a left-back today. I'm very grateful to him. Without his decision, I might not be at FC Bayern Munich now."

You chose number 11 at FC Bayern Munich, which is traditionally a forward's number. Legendary players like Rummenigge and Podolski have worn this number. Is this number suitable for a left-back?

"Some people were surprised by my decision, but there weren't many numbers available at the time. Even number 21, which I wore at Frankfurt, was already taken. I thought: why not try something new?"

"Why not choose this number? I can also play as a forward anyway. So in a way, this number suits me quite well. Maybe it's fate – something good."

What made this club so attractive to you?

"To be honest, I never thought FC Bayern Munich would contact me, and then everything happened so quickly! When my agent told me they were interested, I said immediately: I don't want to hear anything else. I'm from Bavaria and I can stay in Germany."

"And I'm joining the best team in Germany, one of the world's leading clubs. After that, I met with the club and the coach. My family and friends are Bayern Munich fans, so there was no doubt. For me, the decision to join FC Bayern Munich was very clear."

You once said the worst thing is going to bed after a match feeling you lacked courage. Where does this awareness come from?

"Playing with confidence has been a gradual process for me. Early in my career, I often hid during training. When I turned professional at 18, I felt very anxious. At night, I would think: if I asked for the ball more, I could be more involved in the game."

"Maybe that's why my first appearance came relatively late. Later, I told myself: it's okay! Even if I make mistakes, I'll still ask for the ball! There's nothing worse than thinking after a match, 'I wish I hadn't hidden.' Now I handle this situation much better."

What role do your family and friends still play in your life?

"They mean a lot to me. Whenever I have the chance, I go back home. Even in the summer after the World Cup, I go back for a few days to spend time with family and friends. I grew up in Amberg and went to school like everyone else."

"I know every corner of that place. That's why I've always felt deeply connected to it. Every time I go back to the city, people remember me, are friendly, and are happy to see me. The feeling of being home is truly wonderful."

When you were in school, you participated in a sponsored marathon, ran over 20 kilometers, and eventually had to stop. What happened then?

"I was ten years old, and my real goal was to run five laps. But I just kept running because I thought it was fun. In the end, I ran 22 or 23 laps and I still wanted to continue. But my mother and my teacher told me it was too hot, and they were afraid I would collapse. They made me withdraw from the race. But I still won – and I think I still hold the record."

Do people see the determination you've shown in your journey to FC Bayern Munich reflected in that story?

"Maybe. To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of running. But when I was 10 years old, I wanted to be the best student in my school. It's similar to football: even when my energy starts to fade, I tell myself: keep fighting!"

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