Seasoned shot-stopperButt: I want to end my career with a trophy04.05.2011
Even at the advanced footballing age of 36, Jörg Butt still retains a youngster’s thirst and enthusiasm for football. “It's unbelievable fun being a pro,” the Oldenburg-born shot-stopper declared, explaining why he has opted to add another full season to his 15-year career. On Tuesday, Butt and the club agreed on an extension to his current contract, binding him to Bayern until 30 June 2012.
The player, who turns 37 at the end of this month, had initially considered hanging up his gloves at the end of the current campaign. “But the season’s not gone as well as I personally and the team as a whole imagined it would,” Butt stated in an exclusive FCB.tv interview. “Unfortunately, we’ve not won anything this term, but I’d really like to end my career with a trophy,” he explained.
“The last six months in particular have failed to meet my expectations,” he continued, “this isn’t how I want to end my playing career, I want to finish playing with a success, and I believe that’ll be the case next season.” The keeper revealed he had had “a very good conversation” with future Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes, and the board of directors.
At the conclusion of a season without silverware, the player’s hunger for big games and trophies is as acute as ever. “It's really true that it’s hard to watch other clubs in the big matches, including missing out on the cup final and the trip to Berlin. That was another reason to keep going one more year, because I simply want to be part of the biggest games,” said Butt, “I’m looking for at least one more trophy.”
No thoughts of a switchJörg is the oldest player at the club, “but I don’t think it’s that great an age for a goalkeeper. The opposite in fact: I think experience helps you hone your performance in goal, and that it’s an advantage.” Other clubs had come knocking, “but I categorically ruled out a move,” Butt revealed. “The only club I want to play for is Bayern.”
Butt, a Champions League finalist on two occasions, has made 384 Bundesliga appearances to date, but is not worrying for now about passing the 400-game milestone next term. “At the moment, I’m not thinking about how many appearances I’ll have made by the end of the season. I regard myself as part of a team, and I’m convinced I can help that team.”
Looking forward to new campaignHe is now keenly looking forward to what is scheduled to be his final top flight campaign. “I’m really enthusiastic about one more season with Bayern. I’m utterly convinced it’ll be a very, very successful one, and I want to be a part of the team,” the veteran declared.
