“Champions has a nice ring to it” – Nathan Tella savours Leverkusen's Bundesliga title party

The Stevenage born, Nigerian international spoke to ESPN at full-time, reflecting on the many highs and minimal lows of Bayer Leverkusen’s historic title-winning run.

Nathan Tella expressed his overwhelming delight this afternoon after Bayer Leverkusen clinched the Meisterschale with a 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen.

“Feeling happy and tired, but ultimately really happy for all fans, players, staff, and everyone involved in the club.

“I think is probably one of, if not the best day in the history of the club. I’  happy we can all be a part of it. Champions has a nice right to it,” the 24-year-old quipped. 

Having joined Die Werkself for a reported €23.3 million euros from Southampton last summer, the Nigerian star remained highly philosophical in his analysis of Leverkusen’s historic campaign.

“Yeah it’s obviously very special. I’ve always said trophies aren’t guaranteed. The fact that I’ve had an opportunity to come to this club in my first season with an incredibly talented group of players, unbelievable coaching staff, and win something first time of asking is special. It’s an important moment for the history of the club,” Tella added.

Tella pointed out that every teammate played a vital role in Xabi Alonso’s squad. He firmly believes Leverkusen will continue to focus with intent on their upcoming fixtures.

“The way that this team is, everyone has been so important this season from the first game against Leipzig to today. Everyone has played a part, everyone is as important. We’re still unbeaten which is another thing we want to continue, and take it into the game on Thursday [against West Ham],” he continued. 

The right-sided midfielder finished by pointing out his personal learnings from what has been a highly successful first season in Germany.

“Patience. Patience is everything. I was very frustrated with myself in the first half of the season from August to December. Its because I didn’t play as much football as I would’ve liked. But since the turn of the year I feel like I’ve been involved in near enough every game. Whether it’s starting or coming on [from the bench] I feel like I made an impact,” concluded Tella.