By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Family evenings in the home of Joshua Kimmich and his wife Lina seem rather unspectacular. Recently, the 30-year-old admitted "to head to bed early as we have that many kids."

The four kids, aged five to one, even keep their parents from watching football in the Munich suburb of Untergiesing-Harlaching, particularly his club's opponents.

"Time is short in our daily life; therefore, we have to set priorities," the Bayern midfielder said.

The time-consuming routines might reduce the family's TV hours but don't prevent Kimmich from delivering top performances on the pitch, despite having to switch roles for both club and national team.

While Kimmich has become irreplaceable in Bayern's midfield as the team's conductor, he remains equally important as Germany's driving force as a full-back. His two assists leading to a 2-1 win in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League's last-eight ties against Italy in Milan seem to tell the story.

German national coach Julian Nagelsmann called him Europe's best full-back while praising his outstanding qualities. "He always explores his limits. He is pushing tirelessly and has an unwavering spirit," the German coach said ahead of Sunday's second leg in Dortmund.

From Nagelsmann's perspective, "you rarely find a full-back similarly influential in Europe."

While the Black Forest-born player has been one of Germany's most debated footballers, things seem to have settled in 2025 after he signed a new contract with Bayern until 2029.

Rejecting reportedly more lucrative offers from PSG and Arsenal, negotiations with the Bavarians turned into a drawn-out affair.

While speculation pointed to financial reasons, Kimmich emphasized "sporting perspectives" and demanded the club's commitment regarding head coach Vincent Kompany.

He signed for the same salary as before (assumed 20 million euros) along with a signing fee of 22 million, while reports spoke of significant pay raises offered in France and England.

His wife Lina seemed to stay out of her husband's contract struggles but said, "Well done, dear," after telling him, "Don't worry, we are at your side wherever you go."

While packing has been skipped, Kimmich is pushing for his team's glory, talking about a Champions League win within reach and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Placed in an unusual position for a team leader, the German captain has become his coach's on-pitch spokesperson, given the freedom to dictate the game, sometimes dropping into midfield but always fulfilling his defensive duties.

"His crosses are brutal, yes, they are sharp and precise," Nagelsmann said after returning to their Dortmund team camp to prepare for Sunday's second leg against Italy.

"It's only half-time. To reach the goal of the final four, it takes another 90 or more minutes in the spirit we showed in Milan," Kimmich said, while Nagelsmann simply nodded in silent approval. Enditem

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