Praying or giving three jumps on one foot were among the most common customs of a footballer before entering a football field. We say "were" because Julian Draxler surprised with the confession of a peculiar ritual just moments before entering the pitch and that, according to his own words, "gives him happiness".
The talented player of the German National Team, who is preparing for the Russia 2018 World Cup, revealed that he puts on perfume before a practice or a game. "It doesn't matter if it's a training session or a game. I never go out on the field without perfume," declared the PSG striker to Bunte magazine.
"Sometimes my teammates ask me if I'm crazy. Everyone has a ritual before a game and I usually take my toilet bag once more and spray myself two or three times with perfume. It gives me a feeling of happiness," said Julian Draxler.
Germany, with Draxler in the list of 23 players, will continue their preparation with a friendly match against Saudi Arabia in Leverkusen on Friday. "We have to see the whole picture to have a variable and well-balanced team, prepared for all eventualities," said Löw, coach of the 'Mannschaft'.
Germany debuts against Mexico on June 17th. The other members of Group F are Sweden and South Korea.