During the summer, Christopher Nkunku returned to the club where he previously spent four years, joining RB Leipzig on a season-long loan from AC Milan.
In an interview with Sport Bild, the Frenchman spoke about how happy he is to be back and admitted that he could see himself staying beyond the end of the season, although he stressed that it's still early to discuss his future.
“I’m very happy. I feel very comfortable in the city and at the club. I know everything here from my previous time. It’s a special place for me,” Nkunku said.
"I experienced some very significant moments in my career and my life in Leipzig and with RB. I really enjoyed those four years. I can also feel how much the fans love me, and I sense that family atmosphere. That’s important to me.
“We’ve only just got the start of the season behind us," he added when asked whether he could see himself staying at RB Leipzig beyond the summer.
"There are also several parties involved in these discussions. Above all, the clubs would have to reach an agreement at the end of the season. So it doesn’t depend on me alone. But of course, I can very easily imagine staying longer.”
In the interview, Nkunku also spoke about his “clear goal” of returning to the French national team, having last represented his country in November last year.
“Dream” isn’t the right word. But it’s now my clear goal. At the level I’m playing at, you want to represent your country, too. I’ve already been part of the national team. Now I want to get back there," Nkunku said.
The prospect of playing under his childhood idol Zinedine Zidane as France coach only adds to Nkunku’s motivation
“Zidane is a legend. He’s the greatest footballer France has ever had. Everyone here loves him. And when I was a little boy, he was one of my biggest role models. I remember the 2006 World Cup in Germany. We idolised Zidane for what he achieved throughout his playing career.”
Bulinews.com spoke to Nkunku in Leipzig last month about a range of topics. Read the interview here.