The Great Defender

DW-WORLD.DE: Oliver Kahn got himself suspended from the last league game of 2007 and has feuded with much of the squad. Could you see yourself taking over from him as Bayern's regular captain?

Lucio: I wouldn't dream of becoming Bayern Munich's captain. It's not my life's goal, and I wouldn't fight for the position. As far as I'm concerned there'll be no squabbling with my teammates over it. The coach decides who's captain. I won't lie and say it wouldn't be flattering to be singled out for this responsibility, but I'm not concerned with having a special status -- that means nothing to me. I'll keep on the way I always have. I'm not looking to inherit the captaincy.

But you have served as Bayern's captain for the odd game. Did you not like it?

Of course it was a great experience. But it didn't change me or the way I work with the team. The best part was the feeling that the coach trusts me, that he and the team have faith in me. In the period when I was captain, the atmosphere was great, really relaxed. The team assistants and physiotherapists were in a good mood, always making jokes with me.

Is the position first and foremost a matter of discipline?

Discipline is important, but a captain needs other qualities as well. He has to lead by example. He has to be someone who works hard, who shows respect for the coach and his teammates and who always gives his best for the club. At Bayern I've always stood for these qualities. That's why I was allowed to be captain on occasion.

But as the captain of the Brazilian national team, you surely must feel you're entitled to the same position at Bayern Munich.

I didn't try to become captain of Brazil. It just happened, and I'm very honored to have been given such an enormous responsibility. Thus far it's gone well. My teammates like me, and we get along well with one another.

You wouldn't have too many problems dealing with players like Miroslav Klose, Luca Toni or Franck Ribery, if you can lead a squad with stars like Ronaldinho, Kaka or Robinho.

I've known stars like Kaka or Ronaldinho both professionally and personally for quite some time. They always listened to me and followed my advice, even when I wasn't captain. And when they tell me something, I listen to them too. That's why I have no problems fulfilling my responsibilities in the national team.

So can't you convince a Kaka or Ronaldinho to come to Bayern?

I don't think they'll be coming any time soon.

Why not?

It's next to impossible to convince Brazilian stars who can play in Italy or Spain to come to Germany. It's not a question of the club, but the country. The culture, lifestyle and language in Italy and Spain are fairly Brazilian. Bayern can't compete.

You don't try to sell Bayern Munich to your teammates in the Brazilian national squad, as Luca Toni supposedly does with Italy?

As I said, for the reasons I've just mentioned, Bayern Munich is a product that's hard to market. It's difficult for me to sell the club to superstars like Kaka, Ronaldinho or Robinho. There are a few who would believe me -- but they're the ones who already play in the Bundesliga. For example, Diego, Naldo, Gilberto, Mineiro and Josue.

But not Ronaldinho or Kaka?

When we exchange impressions, I have to admit it would be easier for them to convince me to leave Germany than for me to convince them to come here.

But they haven't succeeded. You're still here.

Yes, and I intend to see out my current contract, which runs until 2010. I still dream of Spain or Italy. I'd love to play there, and perhaps I can fulfill this dream a bit earlier, if the club and I can reach an agreement. I transferred from Leverkusen to Munich two years before my contract back then was set to expire. In soccer, nothing's beyond discussion, if the opportunities and the will are there.

So at some point you intend to leave Germany and head south.

One thing is for sure: After my time at Bayern Munich, I'll definitely leave Germany.