Bayer Leverkusen's managing director Fernando Carro has been speaking about the departure of Florian Wirtz to Liverpool
Florian Wirtz and Fernando Carro, CEO of Leverkusen, hug after their win during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Semi-Final first leg match against AS Roma, May 2024
Florian Wirtz and Fernando Carro hug after Bayer Leverkusen's win Europa League semi-final first-leg win at Roma in May 2024
(Image: Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)
Fernando Carro, the managing director of Bayer Leverkusen, admits he was "hurt" to see Florian Wirtz leave for Liverpool this summer. But he says the new £116m man departs as a club legend.
And Carro revealed the Bundesliga runners-up were desperate to keep Wirtz before being forced to enter into transfer talks once it became clear the player wanted to complete a dream move to the Premier League champions, who have broken their transfer record to land the Germany international.
The 22-year-old had been a target for both Manchester City and Bayern Munich before his entourage informed all parties of the attacking midfielder's desire to move to Anfield in late May.
That decision saw the Reds intensify their talks with Leverkusen, with sporting director Richard Hughes in dialogue with his counterpart Simon Rolfes, who was in regular contact with Carro throughout those detailed negotiations.
Wirtz's £116m move was confirmed last Friday. He has signed a five-year deal with Liverpool ahead of confirming a squad number later this summer.
And Carro has used his Linkedin account to detail his feelings on what is the biggest-ever transfer fee involving a Bundesliga club.
Carro wrote: "Many people have contacted me to congratulate us for the dimension of the transfer of Florian Wirtz to Liverpool Football Club.
"I understand this point of view, of course, and I see the economic impact that it has in our favor. But people need to understand: As the CEO of Bayer 04 Leverkusen it has never been my primary goal to maximize financial profit.
"My clear primary goal is sportive success for this club. Therefore we tried very hard to convince Florian to stay with us. And it hurts, that we could not make it happen."
Carro added: "In the end, Florian's wish was to take the chance to play for Liverpool. We felt we needed to respect his wish - and, given these circumstances, to try making a win win situation out of it: For the player, being able to join his favorite option, and for us to strongly improve the economic resources for the future of Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
"Florian came more than five years ago, as a talent. Now he leaves as a club legend, undoubtedly being a crucial part of this club's (more than) 120 years [of] history.
"If you receive honors like this at the age of 22, it is truly and simply unique. For me, Florian Wirtz will always be a part of this organization.
"Now we move on, lots of work to do in order to stay strong, hungry - and successful."
Wirtz will report for pre-season training with the Reds on July 7 ahead of the first friendly of the summer, against Preston North End on July 13.