Werner on MLS plans: "Would like to be a leader"

Timo Werner does not see his move to the US professional league MLS as the end of his career. "I feel that I'm not finished yet," said the former national team player on his introduction to the San José Earthquakes. "In sporting terms, I really wanted this new start."

This week, the 29-year-old's move from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig to San José was officially confirmed. For Werner, this marks the end of a long period in which he barely played. "I've never experienced anything like this in my career," said Werner about the past six months.

However, he is not leaving Leipzig in a bad mood: "The situation in Leipzig was clear from the start. Both sides knew where they stood. Of course, I thought that would change if I gave my all in training. But the team delivered, there was no reason to give Timo Werner a chance. I accepted that," said Werner. That is now a thing of the past.

From the plane to the starting eleven

In San José, Werner also sees himself as a bit of a development aid. "I don't want to be a player who comes from Europe and says I won the Champions League," said the 57-time international. "I want to be a team player and a leader and help the lads."

Despite his CV, he doesn't see himself as a set player. "Every time I've changed clubs, it's been a new start," said Werner. "You always have to prove yourself anew. It doesn't matter whether you've scored 50 goals or zero before. In a new team, you start from scratch." It is a new chapter in his life and he wants to show what he can do.

When this chapter will actually begin is still open. For family reasons, Werner will remain in Leipzig for a few more weeks and train with RB. San José's first game of the new season is against Kansas City on February 22. "We have to wait for the visa, that usually takes a few weeks. He won't be here until just before the game," said coach Bruce Arena. He and Werner had already joked about it: "He wants to get off the plane and play right away."