There’s usually no turning back after a big move. But Florian Wirtz just proved that some goodbyes deserve a little more than a press release and a Photoshop jersey swap.
After completing a blockbuster switch to Liverpool, Wirtz made a surprise return to Bayer Leverkusen’s BayArena — and no, it wasn’t because he forgot his boots.
The 22-year-old German playmaker flew back to say a heartfelt goodbye to the fans who stood by him through highs, lows, and a Bundesliga title no one saw coming.
Wirtz, now officially wearing red instead of red-and-black, wasn’t in the squad for Liverpool’s friendly at Preston. Instead, his Monday was spent clearing out his old locker and recording a farewell message that has already tugged at plenty of football hearts.
In an era of emoji-laden exits and farewell tweets, Wirtz chose the old-school route — returning to where it all started.
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What Florian Wirtz said?
“Dear fans, unfortunately I wasn’t able to say goodbye to you at the last game,” Wirtz said in an emotional video shared on his Instagram.
“That’s why I’m glad I can sit here once more in the BayArena and say a few words to you.”
Wirtz first joined Leverkusen as a 16-year-old in 2020, carrying the label of a wonderkid and the weight of expectations. He delivered more than anyone imagined — 197 appearances, 49 goals, and enough assists to make stat lovers drool.
“I still remember when I transferred here five and a half years ago as a 16-year-old kid with big dreams,” he continued.
“I made my pro debut in Bremen at 17… we celebrated many victories here, many goals, many assists.”
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. He reminded fans of his darkest chapter too — a torn ACL that kept him out for nearly a year.
Wirtz said, “That was the biggest setback of my career… but I felt you were always behind me.”
And fans paid that loyalty back in full. The highlight? A hat-trick against Bremen that sparked pitch invasions and goosebumps — the kind that no goal celebration video can quite capture.
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Back one last time — and not just for the memories
This wasn’t a farewell for attention or nostalgia points. Wirtz made the trip because he felt something was missing.
In his own words: “I’d love to come back to the BayArena a few more times as a guest, and I hope I’ll get the chance to say goodbye to you in person this season.”
He signed off like a man who didn’t just wear the shirt — he lived the journey.
“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.”
Liverpool fans can now start dreaming. They’ve got a midfield maestro who doesn’t just pass the ball — he passes the vibe check too.
With Arne Slot looking to reshape the Reds post-Klopp, Florian Wirtz is expected to play a key role. His official debut is likely during Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Japan, where he’ll finally kick a ball in red — unless he makes another unplanned pit stop to say goodbye to the bus driver.
After leading Leverkusen to an unbeaten league title and DFB-Pokal triumph, Wirtz left on the highest of highs. And instead of a muted wave, he offered fans one last assist — a farewell worth remembering.
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