Dutch international centre back Matthijs de Ligt only joined Bayern Munich in July but is already speaking in fluent German.
The 23-year-old moved from Juventus to the Bavarian giants this summer in a deal worth €77 million.
On Wednesday evening, the Bundesliga champions were in action as they took on Viktoria Koln in the DFB-Pokal. The centre back started and played the full match as Bayern smashed their opponents 5-0, thanks to goals from Ryan Gravenberch, Mathys Tel, Sadio Mane, Jamal Musiala and Leon Goretzka.
De Ligt stole the show after the match as he was on post match interviews duty.
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When he arrived at the club, he told fans that he was not fluent in German but promised to learn as quick as possible.
De Ligt was quoted saying: “At the start, I will give the most important commands in English.
“But German is hugely important and there are many similar words in German and Dutch. I will do my best and I want to learn the language quickly.”
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In his interview after the match against Viktoria Koln, he showed off his German skills.
The reporter asked a question to De Ligt in English: “Congratulations on passing to the next round. What are your thoughts on the match?”
Despite the question being asked in English, De Ligt answered in German.
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To which the reporter replied: “Ok so I’m speaking English, not German. Can we speak in English?”
The Dutchman then laughed, apologised and continued the remainder of the interview speaking in English.
With him seemingly picking up the German language already, De Ligt is now fluent in four languages, Dutch, German, Italian and English.
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Having started only two of Bayern’s last six games, he will hope to nail down a regular spot in Julian Nagelsmann’s team as soon as possible. The reigning champions of Germany are top of the Bundesliga after picking up ten points from 12.
Up next for the Bavarian club will be a top of the table clash against Union Berlin on Saturday afternoon, where De Ligt will be hoping to make his third start for Bayern.
Topics: Bayern Munich, Matthijs De Ligt, Bundesliga
Marcus Chan