"I can hardly put my excitement into words"

André Schürrle on his first impressions at BVB:
"I've been warmly welcomed, the first few days have been great. I feel very comfortable. All good. Yesterday I had to sing for my initiation. It wasn't my best performance, but it was a laugh for the others..."

...on playing at Signal Iduna Park in black and yellow:
"I'm really excited. As an opponent you look forward to playing there. But now having the fans behind you, I imagine it must be great. I can hardly put my excitement into words. I feel like a small child."

...on his personal relationship with Mario Götze:
"We're very good friends. We speak about everything and try to drive each other on in the tougher times. I'm happy that we've developed such a good friendship."

...on Thomas Tuchel's role in his transfer:
"Obviously he was largely responsible for my transfer here. But it was also important for me to feel that the entire club was behind it."

...on his preferred position on the pitch:
"My best position is as a left forward, not quite along the sideline. I can also play centre-forward or play as a hanging striker around the centre-forward. The way we go for attack here is just what my game is about. If we can gel together and get into routine then we will be successful."

"I'm looking forward to what lies ahead"

Mario Götze on his initiation ritual on Sunday evening:
"Fortunately it wasn't singing. I had to serve dinner with two others. I don't mind the ritual. It ensures a bit of variety and entertainment."

...on his return to BVB:
"It feels both new and familiar at the same time. When I heard of the interest from Borussia Dortmund, I was only too happy to return to the club. I'm looking forward to what lies ahead and to having as many positive experiences as possible. It will definitely be a really, really great year. I know the city. I know the team and the club. There's a good environment here."

...on his sporting objectives:
"Given that I had a bad injury, I'm delighted to be fit again and I'm looking forward to playing as many matches as possible and to being successful with the team. The objective of every single one of us is to perform to our potential."

...on his preferred position:
"I see myself in the centre, at number eight or number ten. Ultimately it's the coach's decision, though. We are very well equipped and I will try to play my part."

"The team has enormous quality"

Both players on their fitness levels following a week of pre-season preparations:
André Schürrle: "It takes a few weeks before you get to 100 percent. The coaching staff divides us into different groups to control the load. We need a few games to get into rhythm. I'm expecting us to get fit relatively quickly."
Mario Götze: "We want to play as soon as possible. For that reason we are using every single training session to get to our level."

...on BVB's prospects in the coming season:
Mario Götze: "It's always difficult to make a prediction. We know that the season is a long journey. We really want to fulfil the potential in this team."
André Schürrle: "The team has enormous quality. The training sessions are top. We're working at a very high level. We're confident that we will have a superb season if everyone stays fit and gets into their stride."
Recorded by Boris Rupert