Leroy Sane says he feels sympathy for Marco Reus, after the Borussia Dortmund star s injury paved the way for him to take a place in Germany s Euro 2016 squad.
Two-cap Schalke attacker Sane made Joachim Low s selection as the World Cup winners look to add a fourth European Championship to their collection, after Reus failed to shake off an adductor injury in time.
Bayer Leverksuen s Julian Brandt and Karim Bellarabi, as well as Sebastian Rudy of Hoffenheim, also missed out of selection with Sane preferred among Low s attacking options after scoring nine goals in 42 games for Schalke last season.
You obviously feel for your team mates who don t make it, Sane told the DFB s official website.
They are all great football players and wonderful colleagues.
It s particularly unfortunate for Marco Reus, as another injury prevented him from taking part in a big tournament.
I got along really well with all four of them and I feel for each of them. The coach has to make a decision and I can imagine that he didn t have an easy time making it.
Sane will not have time to dwell on his colleagues misfortune, however, with a potential key role to play as Germany seek a first European crown in 20 years, starting with a Group C clash against Ukraine next Sunday.
At first you re obviously somewhat reserved, he added. You watch everything closely but stay in the background.
On the pitch it s all different though. The older players demanded me to perform to my abilities. They told me that I should show myself.
I m the type of player who voices his concerns on the pitch anyway. When I see a dangerous situation building up behind a player, then I will let him know.
Obviously us players try to help each other on the pitch. Age doesn t matter in that regard.
