Rise of Frimpong: From 2 hat-tricks on same day to heart & soul of Leverkusen

Amid Bayer Leverkusen's once-in-a-lifetime celebrations after finally winning a Bundesliga title, Jeremie Frimpong was asked what's his secret for a happy life.

'Just have a smile, just enjoy life because you only live once. So whilst we're on this earth just have fun, love others and give positive energy and then life is good,' he answered.

Frimpong certainly has plenty to smile about at the moment. The Dutch right wing-back has played an important role in Leverkusen's extraordinary season.

Xabi Alonso's side have broken Bayern Munich's 11-year stranglehold on the Bundesliga title, winning their first one ever and remained undefeated into the bargain.

They could yet add the German Cup and the UEFA Europa League to their collection, with the second leg of their quarter-final tie against West Ham ahead on Thursday. They lead 2-0.

Frimpong, 23, went viral at the weekend after he mocked team-mate Granit Xhaka's failure to win the Premier League at Arsenal and then propped himself on broadcaster Archie Rhind-Tutt's shoulder while giving a TV interview that just oozed happiness.

It hasn't taken long for him to be linked with a move to Manchester United this summer with his contract reportedly containing a £34million release clause - if activated before Euro 2024.

If it happens, the move would take him back to the place where his football career started, in the academy of Manchester City.

He didn't make the first-team there, instead coming to attention at Celtic, where the youngster's raw pace and tenacity brought him to attention and won plaudits.

But it's after signing for Leverkusen in January 2021, that Frimpong's career has really taken off - and in particular under Alonso's tutelage.

Because Frimpong likes to station himself