Sommer on Springsteen, Yoga & Vegan Life in Switzerland

He was born in Morges, but lived in Lausanne, Basel and Zurich. Yann Sommer, Inter goalkeeper and brand ambassador of Switzerland Tourism, after having toured all or almost all the regions of Switzerland, speaks French, German, English and now also excellent Italian, given that he only arrived in our country a year and a half ago. Evidently Italy was in his destiny. The Italian fans had met Sommer shortly before he joined Inter during the World Cup Qualifiers in Qatar, when, with his Switzerland, he gave us great disappointment by eliminating the Azzurri. In those two decisive matches he twice bewitched Jorginho during two penalty kicks. The blue made mistakes in both the first leg and the second leg, but if on the second occasion the blue shot high, in the first it was Yann who put his best foot forward with a great save. After all, his reputation as a penalty saver was achieved through numbers. Now Sommer has left the national team, he dedicates himself only to Inter and his family. “I live in the center and I feel good in Milan. Maybe if there was a little less traffic it would be better… But I like to travel around and experience the city like a Milanese. The girls go to school and we often go to Sempione park to play. A quiet life.”

You are very careful about nutrition.

“It’s very important. I had thought about hiring a chef in the house because it’s never easy to organize dinner with the girls, but I prefer to cook myself, so I choose the food and can take care of every aspect.”

But he doesn’t eat dairy products or pizza. On the other hand, in Italy he discovered coffee.

“It’s impossible not to drink coffee in Italy, but only after lunch. In the morning instead I drink matcha tea (green tea of Japanese origin).”

An example of his diet?

“No lactose and gluten, I try to avoid sugar and eat little meat. I’m not completely vegan but let’s say that my diet is close to veganism.”

He has always enjoyed cooking, for a period he even published his recipes on social media.

“Yes, but now I don’t do it anymore, I only cook for my family. I inherited the passion for cooking from my father who was very good. And then I have always thought that nutrition is a fundamental aspect for a professional footballer.”

Then there’s the music…

“Another great passion inherited from my father, who had a fantastic collection of vinyl records. I have always liked music: I play the guitar, the bongo and the piano. As a child, in my family I listened to music from morning to night.”

If I tell you Bruce Springsteen what will you say?

“My absolute idol, the singer I love the most. It’s incredible that he performed at San Siro, the stadium where I play every three days, and I wasn’t able to go to see the concert. I hope to make up for it as soon as possible.”

And then what is in Sommer’s life?

“Obviously Switzerland, which is very close to Milan. In my few free days with the family we go to visit our beautiful mountains. I suggest everyone go there at all times. Autumn is my favourite, there are incredible colours, the foliage is truly a spectacle”.

“Since I no longer play for the national team, I had a few days during the break and with my wife (Alina) and the girls (Mila, 6 years old and Nayla, 4) we went to Sankt Moritz. And it was wonderful to walk in nature, the girls saw the horses, you can go trekking and if it’s not too cold even swim in the lake.”

“My girls have already started and obviously my wife skis too. I can’t and as long as I’m a footballer I’ll have to watch. Then I’ll have fun snowboarding which I really like.”

By the way, have you thought about what the footballer will do next?

“I don’t think I’ll be a coach, it’s too stressful a job. I haven’t thought about it, there are many things to do in life.”

Maybe the actor, since he has already shot some funny videos with Michelle Hunziker.

A good understanding was established with Michelle, we had fun doing things in the midst of the nature of our Switzerland. For now I’m a goalkeeper, then we’ll see.”

Differences between Swiss and Italians.

“Given that I obviously feel Swiss, I like the lightness and joy of living in your country. A sort of desire for freedom that perhaps is a little lacking in us Swiss who are a little more rigid on certain things.”

Is yoga important in your life as a footballer?

“I think it’s essential for training to maintain maximum concentration. But don’t think that I’m such a calm guy on the pitch. I talk a lot with my teammates, I always try to make myself heard.”

In recent years the role of goalkeeper has changed, now it is also very important to know how to use your feet well.

“I started playing in goal because my father was a goalkeeper and so was my uncle. From an early age they put me between the posts, but in training I often play with my teammates in the middle of the pitch to improve my technique and also understand the timing of the game which is now fundamental.”