Having scored the winner in the local derby against HSV, you brought to an end the winless streak your team was experiencing against their bitter rivals. How does it feel to have become the HSV slayer and forever a Pauli hero?

Asamoah: “Of course, after years of losing it’s fantastic to final win a derby and to score the winner, as a fairly new player in the team, is even better. The deciding factor, though, was that we played as a team and won the match thanks to the collective efforts of everyone involved.”

You were a Hannover 96 player between 1994 and 1999 and became a fan favourite during your time here. Can you still remember the most important goal you ever scored for the Reds?

Asamoah: “There were lots of goals to choose from, but there are two that really stick out in my memory. The first was against TeBe (Tennis Borussia Berlin e.v.) when we were playing for promotion and I scored the only goal in the 1-0 win. The other was the winner against our archrivals Eintracht Braunschweig. Those are goals that you don’t forget too quickly!”

As you prepare to face your former club what do you still associate with the club and the city?

Asamoah: Hannover was my first ever club as a professional footballer. There are still a lot of people working at Hannover that I remember from back in my days with the team. Martin Kind, for example, was announced as the club president during my time here. Of course people like Steven Cherundolo, Edward Kowalczuk or Jörg Sievers, who’s still the goalkeeping coach, also fall into that category. Not to forget the man who discovered me Mirko Slomka and even Mille, the kit man. So as you can see there are still loads of people – and I could keep going as well! I associate just as much with the city too. My parents, my siblings and my nieces still live there and so I still travel to Hannover as much as my time and my schedule allows me.

Hannover 96 are currently in fourth in the Bundesliga. What do you think the Reds can achieve come the end of the season?

Asamoah: Hannover are surprising everyone this year, especially given that they almost got relegated last season. So of course everyone assumed that they would be in a similar situation this season and instead they’ve fought back and now they’re playing near the top of the table. They’ve made everyone realise that the team is brimming with quality and I’ve got to admit I think the manager has played a huge part in the success and has been doing a fantastic job. I will not begrudge the Reds any success and I hope that they achieve the success that is waiting for them. Outside of Saturday’s match of course, where I will be hoping to win! 

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions Asa!