Liverpool star Florian Wirtz sends new Bayer Leverkusen farewell in classy message

Liverpool star Florian Wirtz sends new Bayer Leverkusen farewell in classy message

Florian Wirtz became Liverpool's most expensive signing when he completed a £116m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen

Liverpool's summer signing Florian Wirtz (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images )

New Liverpool signing Florian Wirtz has sent a classy video message to the supporters of Bayer Leverkusen. The midfielder completed his £116m transfer from the Bundesliga club one month ago and has now officially cleared out his belongings before beginning his career on Merseyside.

Wirtz, widely regarded as one of football's brightest talents, decided to join Liverpool over German champions Bayern Munich and other interested parties. This was the catalyst in Anfield chiefs putting all their effort into negotiations with Leverkusen, lasting three weeks before the clubs settled on an up front fee of £100m - a record deal for the Reds - plus £16m in add-ons that if triggered will turn it into a British-record transfer.

‌

The 22-year-old then officially signed for his new club on June 20 and reported to the AXA Training Centre for the first time this week as he and his new teammates began their pre-season preparations.

‌

Manchester United lay tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Anfield visit READ MORE:

But Wirtz, a Leverkusen star since January 2020, never actually had the opportunity to say goodbye to the supporters of his club during the process. Not like former manager Xabi Alonso and full-back Jeremie Frimpong, whose respective summer switches to Real Madrid and Liverpool meant they could do so after the Bundesliga club's final home match of the season on May 11.

So, the midfielder has produced a video message for fans of Die Werkself on Instagram in which he portrays his deep affinity for Leverkusen that will last for many more years than he played for them.

Content cannot be displayed without consent

‌

Wirtz says: "Dear fans, unfortunately I wasn't able to say goodbye to you at the last game. That's why I am glad I can sit here once more in the BayArena and say a few words to you.

"I still remember when I transferred here five-and-a-half years ago as a 16-year-old kid with big dreams. I've had so many experiences I could never have imagined.

"I made my pro debut in Bremen at 17. Unfortunately that happened without fans but I was all the more excited when I could run out into the arena with you behind me. A lot has happened since then.

‌

"We celebrated many victories here, many goals, many assists. During that time I was also able to grow as a national team player.

"Then came the biggest setback of my career - a torn ACL. I had to work hard on myself every day but it was easier because I felt that you were always behind me. After about 10 months I was finally able to stand on the pitch again, what happened after that is history.

"My hat-trick against Bremen when you all ran onto the pitch afterward, it was an incredible feeling. What we achieved this season is still hard to grasp. Unbeaten champions with such a huge points gap.

‌

"How you welcomed us back here when we drove through the city on the bus and arrived at the stadium to celebrate in the rain, I'll never forget that.

"Just like how I'll never forget how every time you called out my name, 'Fußballgott!' Even now thinking about it gives me goosebumps."

That nickname translates to English as 'Football God', proving how highly fans thought of Wirtz in his home city.

‌

He continued: "I'd love to come back to the BayArena a few more times as a guest and hopefully I'll get the chance to say goodbye to you in person this season.

"With that, I want to thank you for the beautiful time you gave me and for all the love you showed me. I hope you become champions again.

"Yours, Flo."

Article continues below

The video closed with Wirtz packing his belongings from his locker at the BayArena into a box and taking them with him through the door as the lights dimmed.

Back at Liverpool, Wirtz's new supporters are eager to see their record signing in action for the first time this pre-season, especially as he did not take part in the first fixture of the summer against Preston North End.

The German international was alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, defender Ibrahima Konate, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and winger Luis Diaz in a group of players who have been training individually since returning this week.

Click here to read article