[Oliver_Kahn]

In a glorious spell at Bayern, Michael Tarnat won the Bundesliga title four times, the DFB Cup three times, the World Club Cup and the Champions League, but the veteran defender and the club parted company three years ago. "Tanne" returns to Bavaria on Wednesday with Hanover 96 for what could be his final match in Munich. The affable player spoke to fcbayern.de about the past, the present and the future, which seems likely to bring him back to the club he still loves.

Interview: Michael Tarnat

fcbayern.de: First of all, belated good wishes on your 37th birthday back on 27 October. What does it feel like being the oldest outfield player in the Bundesliga?

Michael Tarnat: "Don't talk so loud! (laughs) I actually didn't know that, but my eight-year-old boy heard it on TV and told me. I don't think it matters, I think it's just great I can still compete at 37. I notice my age after matches though, I sometimes feel 40 at that point, although I feel like a 25-year-old before kick-off. At my age, you have to live, eat and sleep carefully. I need a lot more recovery time nowadays."

fcbayern.de: You were on the point of hanging up your boots due to injury two years ago, but now you've extended your stay in Hanover until 2007. What happened?

Tarnat: "I was suffering badly with a trapped nerve 18 months ago, and every movement was hurting. I said to myself: this makes no sense, and I'm not enjoying my football. But luckily, it ended up with the injury healing, and I'm not feeling any pain when I play. I knew I wanted to play on, but I had to ask my family. My wife is very homesick for Munich, but she said it was OK if I played one more season."

fcbayern.de: So this is your last campaign as a professional?

Tarnat: "My son wants me to keep going for another decade. He's thrilled when he watches his dad out on the pitch. But you have to draw a line at some point. My wife is pushing me to get us back to Munich, although I want to wait for a short time. I've already spoken to Uli Hoeneß, and he said we should sit down as soon as the moment arrives."

fcbayern.de: So you're coming back to Bayern - to what job?

Tarnat: "Still to be decided. I was overjoyed on hearing the manager had a job for me. I hope it's something in the scouting department, so I can help attract talented youngsters to Bayern Munich."

fcbayern.de: What's your fondest memory of your time at the club?

Tarnat: "I have Bayern to thank for everything. I got everything a club footballer can dream of in my time at Bayern. But the true highlight was my first Bundesliga championship medal. It's every footballer's dream, and it came true for me."

fcbayern.de: And what was the worst moment in Munich?

Tarnat: "When my contract wasn't extended. I thought about giving up the game, because I've given my heart to Bayern Munich. I was devastated when the manager said to me: Tanne, I'm really sorry, we don't want to extend your contract. But Bayern helped me find a new club after that. I didn't fancy moving within the Bundesliga, so they helped me find a club abroad." [Tarnat spent a season at Manchester City in the English Premier League - Ed.]

fcbayern.de: Are you conscious of the fact this could be your last appearance in Munich as a player?

Tarnat: "I'm not conscious of that. I'm sure the feelings of regret will come when I've finished playing and see the stadium on TV. I'll be saying to myself: you were there a year ago! But I'm not thinking about it right now, the opposite in fact - I'm really enjoying every match."

fcbayern.de: Maybe your last game will be the German Cup final - against Bayern.

Tarnat: "That would be an amazing way to end my career. Maybe my farewell will be putting one past Olli one last time. Perhaps he'll do me that favour."