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 player departs Germany as a club legend. Liverpool has signed Wirtz in a deal worth up to £116 million ($159 million) with add-ons. He's become Liverpool's record signing and will smash the British record transfer fee, currently standing at £115 million, if those add-ons are fulfilled.
Carro revealed the Bundesliga team was desperate to keep Wirtz, who has explained how to pronounce his name, before being forced to enter into transfer talks once it became clear the player wanted to complete a dream move to the Premier League champion, Liverpool.
The 22-year-old was 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 move was confirmed last Friday. He has signed a five-year deal with Liverpool ahead of confirming a squad number later this summer.
Wirtz is a Liverpool player
Wirtz is a Liverpool player (Image: Getty Images)
Carro has used his LinkedIn account to detail his feelings on the biggest-ever transfer fee involving a Bundesliga club.
He 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 on July 13.