Hello Fabian. You are staying in Stuttgart with the Swiss national team during the European Championship. Is this giving you an insight into some local culture?
Fabian: “Yes, I’m already getting to grips with regional habits. The people here are very friendly and I’ve already got a good impression of Stuttgart.”
The Swiss national team has three players with VfB connections. Did you speak to Leonidas Stergiou, Steven Zuber and Gregor Kobel before your move to the club?
Fabian: “I did ask around about VfB a few times and got nothing but positive feedback about Stuttgart and the club. Leo, Steven and Greg were really enthusiastic, and at the end of the day, it was an easy choice for me to make. VfB is an incredible club with wonderful fans and I’m really looking forward to playing in front of them.”
Your career has taken you from Berne to France and now to VfB in the Bundesliga. Was it always one of your goals to play in Germany?
Fabian: “I played in the Champions League and Europa League with Young Boys Berne and was involved in the 2022 World Cup. I’d achieved everything there was on a Swiss level and so I chose to move to Rennes. I’m now looking forward to a new chapter in Stuttgart."
You will be playing European football again with VfB next season. How important is that to you?
Fabian: “Playing in Europe is incredible, but while that is important, so is the Bundesliga and the DFB Cup. We want to do as well as we possibly can in all competitions. Despite being young, I’ve managed to pick up a lot of experience already – with the Swiss national team and with my clubs at international level – and I’m looking to use this to contribute at VfB.”
Last season, VfB finished second in the league. Were you aware of how big a deal this was?
Fabian: “Oh, it was amazing. The previous year, VfB were fighting to avoid relegation and then there was such an incredible season right after that. I watched a lot of the matches because Leonidas is a good friend of mine – we’ve known one another for almost eight years now. Just watching from home on TV, I could see how amazing it was and how the fans reacted. I really can’t wait to be out there playing with that badge on my chest.”
