**With Florian Wirtz leaving for Liverpool, Simon Rolfes penned a farewell that showed just how much he meant to Leverkusen.**
In a heartfelt open letter, Rolfes paid tribute to the 22-year-old midfielder who rose from prodigy to Bundesliga champion and fan favourite at the BayArena. The message was full of admiration, honesty, and quiet emotion.
**“I don’t want to write this. I would like to tell the world that you will stay at Bayer 04 Leverkusen for the rest of your career.”**
**“But you decided to leave… and of course, I totally respect that. We not only lose one of the best players in the world, we lose a special person.”**
The letter wasn’t about stats or silverware — it was about Wirtz’s **mindset**. Rolfes recalled his early conversations with the midfielder and the relentless drive that made him stand out.
**“What really impressed me was your mindset. Your will to win. The hunger to score, no matter the scoreline… and that constant drive to get better, even in the smallest details.”**
Rolfes also reflected on Wirtz’s comeback from a serious ACL injury, noting how the setback only sharpened his resolve. He described Wirtz as **“quiet, focused, driven”** — someone even senior players looked up to.
Rolfes recalled the Bundesliga title-clincher against Bremen, where Wirtz scored a hat-trick, including a goal after fans had already stormed the pitch.
**“It had to be you with that hat-trick. Even when the fans were already on the pitch, you had to score again.”**
Another moment that stood out was when Wirtz was handed the iconic No. 10 shirt.
**“And you surely remember when we were in Marseille and I told you that you could have the shirt number 10. You were very happy and proud.**
**The photo shows us a few minutes later and you’re still glowing out of happiness. It tells a lot about you.”**
Rolfes closed the message with warmth and gratitude, extending thanks not just to Wirtz, but to his family — and reminding him he’ll always have a place at Leverkusen.
**“Thank you, Flo, for your time under the cross and for being who you are… You all will stay part of the Bayer 04 family.”**
Wirtz now begins a new chapter at Liverpool — but the mark he left at Leverkusen is clearly one that won’t fade.
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