dpa
Berlin
Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has fuelled speculation of a move to Bayern Munich.
“It definitely appeals to me to leave my comfort zone at some point and experience something new,” the 22-year-old playmaker told Sports Illustrated.
“I know football changing rooms well enough and I’m convinced that I would quickly find my feet anywhere.” Wirtz emphasised that he has “great respect” for players who “leave their family and environment behind for their career.” “I’m pretty lucky that I have so many excellent clubs right on my doorstep and can now play for one of the best clubs in Germany and Europe,” added Wirtz, who joined Leverkusen at the age of 16 from nearby Cologne.
According to a report in the German newspaper Bild, Wirtz has informed his coach Xabi Alonso that he does not want to move to Real Madrid or Manchester City, but only to Bayern, who recently dethroned Leverkusen as Bundesliga champions.
The timing of a possible switch is said to be open. The Germany regular still has a contract with Leverkusen until 2027.
According to Wirtz, financial aspects only play a subordinate role in transfers.
“Of course you should make sure you get a good contract. But the sporting perspective is much more important to me than the money,” said Wirtz.
When he moved from Cologne, he had “not given a single second” of thought to his Leverkusen salary.
If Wirtz moves in the close season to Bayern, he will effectively replace stalwart Thomas Müller at the German champions.
The 35-year-old is leaving after winning a record 13 Bundesliga titles and former Germany team-mate Robin Gosens has urged the forward to come join him at Fiorentina.
“I think the football-mad fans in Italy would welcome him with open arms. Tuscany is very beautiful. Good food, dear Thomas, lots of sunshine. So, it would certainly be worth an adventure,” Gosens told the TV channels RTL/ntv.
