Everton FC midfielder Merlin Rohl has spoken to the ECHO in an exclusive interview about his new book, Life With Everton, and why he chose to live in Aigburth rather than a leafy Cheshire retreat. The 24-year-old German, who joined from Freiburg, is also a keen photographer and has just released the book featuring images from his debut season with the Toffees.
Meeting at the L17 branch of Crosby Coffee on Lark Lane, Rohl received the first physical copy of his work on the day of the interview. Dressed in a plain white t-shirt with tousled brown hair, he said he feels at home in the Liverpool suburb, though the adaptation process has had its challenges.
Settling into a new culture
Rohl said: "It's nice to hear that I'm settling in, but it took me some time. People in the dressing room know that I had some difficulties of moving to another country." He added that it took adaptation both in terms of his football level and fitting in with the club's culture and language, but described the experience as "a nice ride."
The decision to live in Aigburth was initially motivated by proximity to the Everton training ground at Finch Farm, but he said living in an authentic area of Liverpool has helped him understand the club and its supporters. "When you join Everton, you need to understand how the club works, how all the goals from the people around the club are," he said, adding that conversations around Lark Lane and Sefton Park have been valuable.
Experiencing the city's support
Rohl praised the welcome he has received, saying "Everyone has just been so respectful and very nice to me." He now feels completely comfortable and noted that people at Finch Farm have noticed a change in how he interacts with others and how comfortable he feels with the language.
Being recognised on the street comes with the territory of being a Premier League footballer, and Rohl laughed that he sometimes hears his name shouted, but the most common chant is "Up the Toffees." He also spoke about the difference in expectations compared to Freiburg, saying "It's just so deep inside everyone that we just want to win every game, and that's really special."
Photography and inspiration
Rohl's photo of the welcome given to the players before the 3-0 win against Chelsea in March provides the front cover of the book. He said his passion for photography started two years ago with a little camera and an open mind, and Lark Lane is a favourite spot because "you have so much going on, and it looks a little bit like a movie scene sometimes."
Rohl follows in the footsteps of Everton legend Leighton Baines, who also released a photo book, and he said Baines was a big inspiration. "It is a way for the families behind the players can have a look at how our life really is," he said. However, he is keen to show his own individuality, adding "I just try to be as I am."
Rohl has started three games this season and is working his way back from injury, hoping to play a lot in the future. Life With Everton is out now.
