While playing, is it frowned upon to have your focus on other businesses?
Bürki: I believe your main focus should be football. As long as you’re giving 100% in every practice, try to become a better player every day and prove it regularly in the games there is no problem with being involved in other businesses.
On the other hand it’s no secret that when you don’t show up in games, for a certain time, people will blame it on things that aren’t football related that you spend your time with. It is the same in any job, your focus has to be on your main job as long as your business on the side doesn’t affect your job performance nobody will say anything.
What is one piece of advice you would tell 20-year-old Roman?
Bürki: Take advice, take chances and do more things that make you happy. Also: Listen to your parents.
What is the backstory to your pregame ritual?
Bürki: It helps me to relax and it makes me feel better. It takes away a lot of the pressure before my games.
What activities do you do that would be a surprise to your fans?
Bürki: They know me pretty well, but in my free time I like to read, which might be surprising to some people.
If you could start a business with a former teammate, who would it be?
Bürki: Mats Hummels—he is a smart guy that has a lot of interests in different industries. I am convinced he will be successful in no matter what he does after his active career as a player.
At what age should players start to think about their life after football?
Bürki: I think we all think about it right from the start we start making money and become professional players. It is so intense, and we know it doesn’t last forever. It is scary but that’s what makes it so special and unique as well.
What is one thing you would change in football?
Bürki: VAR.
Who are some of your favorite entrepreneurs?
Bürki: Gary Vee, Dan Bilzerian and David Tepper. I had the pleasure to meet David in summer when I went to spend a day with the Carolina Panthers. I was impressed with how humble, generous and respectful he treats every single person around him. He invited me to the Panthers game in London and I hope I’ll find time to go and talk to him again.