In a fascinating interview with Germany’s leading sports tabloid, St. Pauli’s captain Jackson Irvine shared his insights, which have actually been totally equated for our readers by Get German Football News. This interview appeared in the print edition of Sport Bild this Wednesday, exposing Irvine’s ideas on a variety of subjects from football to politics.

As the captain of both St. Pauli and the Australia nationwide group, Irvine revealed his ideas on the upcoming 2026 World Cup, set to occur throughout America, Mexico, and Canada. Leading a club understood for its progressive worths, Irvine discovered himself talking about not simply football, however likewise the political landscape that surrounds the sport.

However, the 32-year-old likewise discussed lighter topics, showcasing his character. He discussed his substantial jersey collection, his future goals beyond football, and his entertaining desire to delight in a beer with the famous Eric Cantona.

What are your ideas on Bayern president Uli Hoeneß’s financial investment of €27 million in St. Pauli?

“The investment from such a prestigious figure within Germany’s most successful football club sends a powerful message about the value placed on St. Pauli by others in the footballing world. I’m thrilled to be part of this organization, but ultimately, I’m here as a football player and a member of this club [first and foremost].”

The Hamburger Abendblatt mentioned, “If professional football were Tinder, St. Pauli and Jackson Irvine would be a perfect match.” How do you react to that?

“[Laughs]. I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment. The relationship between myself and the club has grown immensely over the years. When I joined St. Pauli four years ago, I could never have imagined how vibrant and fulfilling this experience would become. Initially, my decision was purely based on sporting factors.”

Do you think there are comparable connections in between gamers and clubs in contemporary football?

“Theoretically, a connection comparable to that of Thomas Müller and FC Bayern exists. However, in today’s football landscape, such relationships are progressively uncommon. Players rarely stay long enough at clubs to create those significant bonds.“

If you needed to sum up St. Pauli in 3 words, what would they be?

“Community, regard, and mindset. It’s challenging to condense such an abundant experience into simply 3 words.

Is it precise that you initially experienced the club throughout a political presentation before your transfer [to St. Pauli]?

“I have actually understood St. Pauli for a long time. During my time at Celtic, I took part in friendlies versus the club. In 2020, my partner and I participated in a Black Lives Matter presentation in Hull.

“At that occasion, the Yorkshire St. Pauli Fan Club existed, happily showing their skull-and-crossbones flags and t-shirts. We caught some unforgettable images that day, which I now view as a symbolic indication of my connection to the club.

Have you took part in any other presentations ever since?

“Yes, I’ve participated in numerous. When we have the chance to voice our viewpoints, we need to take it.

“However, expert football does leave little space for advocacy. Back in 2020, I lacked a club.“

Now that you bet St. Pauli and are on the brink of getting approved for the World Cup with Australia, does it feel surreal?

“Quite the opposite! Looking back at that time feels more like a problem. I invested almost ten months without a club, training alone in a park.

“During that duration, I feared I may never ever go back to the leading level once again. I hardly ever discussed this due to the fact that others dealt with far more substantial difficulties throughout the pandemic.

“Fortunately, my household, my representative, and Hibernian FC in Edinburgh waited me, assisting me discover my method back to the sport. Now, I’ve even gone back to the peak of my profession.“

What encourages you to participate in presentations today?

“There are many causes worth defending. Currently, I feel forced to oppose the increase of conservative populism in Europe. It’s important to stand versus this tide.“

Returning to St. Pauli, have you kept any keepsakes from [last season’s] promo?

“I got a piece of the pitch as a present. Unfortunately, it has actually diminished in time. However, I still treasure a jersey from that definitive match versus VfL Osnabrück.

You have a remarkable collection of 150 jerseys. Can you inform us more about it?

“My collection makes up jerseys I’ve switched with other gamers, classic pieces, and some that I’ve acquired or traded throughout my profession.

“Perhaps one day, these jerseys will be thought about classics.

The next World Cup will occur in the U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico. What if United States President Donald Trump handed you the World Championship prize?

“In that situation, I would inform him to put it pull back. ‘I’ll choice it up myself!’

“If we were to win the World Cup, my focus would be on the triumph, not on who provides the prize.“

What was your preferred jersey as a kid?

“There’s an image of me using a Scotland jersey when I was simply a couple of years of ages.

“The initially jersey I noticeably keep in mind was a David Beckham Manchester United one, which I navigated 1998.“

Did you have a poster of Beckham, too?

“I was rather the football geek, fascinated in my moms and dads’ football encyclopedias. My love for the sport was instilled in me by my moms and dads and my grandpa.

“I even had a kids’ season book from Manchester United, filled with stories, sticker labels, and yes, a poster of David Beckham.

If you could have a beer with any expert athlete, would it be Beckham?

“While David Beckham appears like a terrific guy, if I needed to pick somebody for a night out, it would unquestionably be Eric Cantona.

“He’s the footballer and individual I’d like to share a beverage with, participating in significant discussion.

What subjects would you go over?

“We would explore football, approach, politics, and life! There’s a lot to go over about the charm of this world.

[Irvine then takes his smartphone out of his pocket and shows a picture of Cantona strapped to the backside].

“I even have his image on the back of my phone, simply in case we ever cross courses.

Is a Cantona jersey still the missing out on piece in your collection?

“I do have one, but it’s just a replica.”

St. Pauli and Jackson Irvine make a perfect set. But, hypothetically, if a Champions League club came calling, what would you do?

At what point does sporting aspiration take precedence over club commitment?

“My aspiration will constantly precede. At 32 years of ages, I’m dipping into the greatest level and I wish to extend my profession for as long as possible.

“That stays my leading concern.“

Can you picture completing your profession at St. Pauli?

“What could be more satisfying than concluding my profession in this unbelievable location while playing in the Bundesliga?

“Ideally, I’d like to play here in the Bundesliga for a lot more years.“

Currently, St. Pauli remains in 15th location, 4 points clear of the relegation-playoff zone. How do you see the significance of remaining in the league compared to promo?

“Absolutely. Naturally, the feelings surrounding survival in the league vary from those of promo.

“However, if we handle to keep up – and I’m positive we will – this accomplishment will hold higher significance, particularly thinking about the monetary ramifications compared to other clubs.

After your profession, do you prepare to go back to Australia?

“Australia does not have the football culture we have here in Europe.

“Many might not recognize how huge football remains in my life along with my other enthusiasms like style, music, and politics.

“I would genuinely have a hard time if I could not merely turn on the tv to see football.“

In the meantime, exist fans in Australia using Irvine St. Pauli jerseys?

“My cousin operates in a bar in Melbourne and pointed out seeing individuals there in St. Pauli hoodies.

“However, I question lots of are using my jersey.

“For lots of, using St. Pauli product worldwide goes beyond football; it signifies what the club embodies.“

GGFN | Peter Weis