Martin Terrier's time to shine worth the wait at Bayer Leverkusen
Fully back in action following a significant injury lay-off, celebrating the summer birth of his daughter and scoring a possible goal of the season contender for Bayer Leverkusen, the Christmas spirit is alive and well at the home of Martin Terrier this year.
The 28-year-old versatile forward sat down to share some of that good cheer with the Bundesliga as both he and his Bayer 04 teammates get set to end the year with an intriguing top-four test against RB Leipzig this weekend.
Can we start with that goal against in Leverkusen's 2-0 Rhine derby win over Cologne last weekend? What can you tell us about what was a truly memorable strike?
Martin Terrier: "I think I executed it perfectly, with a bit of luck obviously, but it was a great striker’s goal. It was exactly the move I wanted to do. I'm very happy because it was a tight match at 0–0. [The goal] unlocked the game.
"I have seen it a hundred times. I think it also went around on social media, but I never get tired of it. It is one of the most beautiful goals of my career, if not the most beautiful. It's also very special because it is was my first home goal for the club and after I had a long injury."
Watch: Terrier's worldie against Cologne
Is it true that you used to watch goals like that on YouTube?
Terrier: "Yes. When I was younger with my brothers, who play football, we often watched compilations of the most beautiful goals in the history of football. And it is true that there are similar moves that have been scored [to mine]. It's a real pleasure to score this kind of goal. I hope that in a few years we will still be talking about it."
Watch: The Bundesliga's best back-heeled goals
Have you ever received so much positive feedback after scoring?
Terrier: "[Yes], after my goal against Mainz [on Matchday 7], because it was my first goal after my injury. I received a lot of messages as well. But overall, I think this latest one is ahead.
"I thought about the people who supported me during my injury. I will not name them all, but Laura, who handled my rehabilitation, followed me every day for nine months. She even came with me to France when I became a father so that I could continue training on my Achilles rehabilitation. There were many messages, but the most important ones are from close people who push me every day to continue and improve."
Watch: Terrier marks injury comeback with goal
It must be an incredible feeling for you right now at the end of a really difficult year in which you were sidelined for nine months, right?
Terrier: "Yes. I also had a [cruciate] knee injury three years ago. So this was my second big injury in a short time. That builds mental strength. You have to be very strong mentally. I always gave the best of myself and I think that is why things are going well for me now."
And you became a father too?
Terrier: "Yes. I became a father in July to a little girl, so that is amazing."
Tell us the story behind your darts throw goal celebration.
Terrier: "This celebration started when I was at [my former club] Rennes. I had a friend there with whom I played darts, so it came naturally. I did that celebration, it stuck, and it brought me luck because I scored many goals after that. I also love playing darts at home."
This has been an interesting year at Leverkusen. How do you see things at the club?
Terrier: "There have been many new players and a coaching change during the season. It was not simple, but things have been put in place and have worked. We've won many matches. The objective is to finish well in Leipzig [this weekend] and close out the year."
What has made the team more stable?
Terrier: "When attackers are involved in the defensive aspect, it's important for the team and gives solidity to the defenders. There is [also] a good mix of young and experienced players. Everyone wants to get to know each other and build something together. You need moments [together] off the pitch in order to give everything on the pitch."
If you beat RB Leipzig this weekend, that would represent a great end to the year for you, wouldn't it?
Terrier: "Yes, that's the objective. If we win, we can go level [on points] with Leipzig and can start the New Year very well."
How do Leipzig and Leverkusen stack up?
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