Intro:

Germany defender Per Mertesacker talks about his comeback from injury and the team's hopes of unsettling star Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo in their Euro 2012 opener in Lviv, Ukraine on Saturday (9th June).

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (German) Per Mertesacker, Germany defender:
"We had a good preparation time starting in Sardinia. I felt from the first day on that I had a good rehab and that I want to finish it as soon as possible. I was happy to get the chance to play the two national games. So I felt able to make tackles again, to play at the highest level again, and I am really happy that my body gave me a positive feedback. It is great to be on the pitch again after such a long time of suffering."

SOUNDBITE: (German) Per Mertesacker, Germany defender:
"In the last few years I've experienced a lot and I know what the team needs and what is important in special moments. We improve every day and are hopeful for the first game. Who is going to play on Saturday? I can not make the decision, you can't also, which is good. We have to wait. But I'm optimistic that there will be a good team on the pitch, because we have so many options."

SOUNDBITE: (German) Per Mertesacker, Germany defender:
"We have been able to annoy him (Ronaldo) a couple of times. It worked quite well against the Portuguese team. We always try to avoid one on one duels as that's where Cristiano Ronaldo excels."