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Florian Wirtz's father has disclosed that Arne Slot played a pivotal role in his son's decision to choose Liverpool ahead of Bayern Munich. Wirtz had been pursued by Bayern for several years, having impressed for Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen on either side of a serious cruciate ligament injury in 2022.
However, the Leverkusen sensation ultimately rejected the German powerhouses in favour of Liverpool, who smashed the British transfer record with a $156 million (£116 million) deal.
Wirtz has penned a long-term contract - believed to span five years - and the forward will soon be showcasing his talents in the Premier League, as the Reds kick off their title defence at home to Bournemouth on Friday, August 15.
A 'decisive' factor behind Liverpool's triumph over Bayern for his signature was Slot. Additionally, Wirtz and his family were captivated by the club's AXA Training Centre in Kirkby.
"Arne Slot presented his playing philosophy, the team tactics in possession and pressing, and how Florian can develop his strengths in these areas," his father, Hans, revealed to Der Spiegel.
"This made a decisive impression on Florian. The training conditions in Liverpool were also totally impressive.
"Arne Slot has impressed Florian on the pitch. He's also a very pleasant person. Florian's best coaches have always been those who gave him plenty of freedom.
"And those with the greatest empathy have also reached Florian. He finds the game in England interesting because it thrives on pace and dynamism."
Turning down Bayern wasn't straightforward, however, particularly after club legend and honorary president Uli Hoeness showed kindness to Wirtz during his ACL injury. "
The situation with Bayern was difficult because Uli Hoeness and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge made incredible efforts and also clearly analysed the sporting possibilities," he continued.
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"I have the greatest respect for Uli Hoeness and his lifetime achievements. After Florian's cruciate ligament tear in 2022, he selflessly helped us quickly get an appointment for the surgery in Innsbruck.
"We are still grateful to him for that. That's why the final phone call with Uli Hoeness was very difficult for me. We had spoken several times beforehand, so he was as objective and fair as I'd ever known him.
"But of course, he couldn't hide his disappointment. After all, he had personally worked hard to secure this transfer."
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