Florian Wirtz could become the most expensive signing in British football history if the add-ons of his huge move to Liverpool are achieved, and he admits he's made a tough choice
Florian Wirtz has been the headline arrival at Liverpool this summer
Florian Wirtz has been the headline arrival at Liverpool this summer(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz admits he stepped out of his comfort zone by joining Liverpool, but the Germany star is sure that his move to the Reds will help him become one of the best players in the world.
The 22-year-old opted against following in the footsteps of many Bundesliga players before him by snubbing a move to Bayern Munich when he left Bayer Leverkusen this summer, instead opting for a new adventure at Anfield.
Bayern had believed that they were in prime position to secure the signing of the player voted the best in Germany in each of the past two seasons, and were stunned when Wirtz turned them down to move to the Premier League.
Speaking to German magazine Kicker, via Sky Sports Germany, Wirtz admits he has gone down the road less travelled, but he's sure he's made the right decision.
"Just like five years ago, when I left Cologne for Leverkusen at 16 , I was looking for where I could best develop my football skills and where I could become the most successful player," said Wirtz, who joined in a deal worth an initial £100m which could rise to a British record £116m. "That's why I chose Liverpool – and I haven't regretted it yet."
Elaborating on his decision to choose Liverpool over Bayern, he added: "I've already looked into both clubs very intensively, and in the end, it wasn't an easy decision. But I made it with 100 percent conviction, and I'm happy about it."
Florian Wirtz surprised many by opting to join LIverpool
Florian Wirtz surprised many by opting to join LIverpool
After impressing in pre-season, including in a 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao at Anfield, Wirtz made his Premier League debut in the Reds' 4-2 win over Bournemouth on the opening night of the new campaign, and he'll feature when Liverpool go to Newcastle on Monday.
On his decision to move to the Premier League, he said it was "the more difficult step to leave that whole environment [Germany] and go to another country with all the changes. And to a new league with a different style of play.
He made his Premier League debut in the win over Bournemouth
He made his Premier League debut in the win over Bournemouth
"I would definitely say that it's a bigger challenge, one I consciously chose to overcome and become a better player.
"Of course, the fans expect a bit more than when the club signs a player for little money. But I'm not putting any pressure on myself; I'm just trying to do my best, no matter how much money I'm signed for. That's the way it is now and it will always be that way."
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