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Florian Wirtz has sent a heartfelt video message to supporters of his former club, Bayer Leverkusen. The midfielder finalized his $156 million (£116 million) move to Liverpool from the Bundesliga side a month ago and has now officially packed up his belongings, ready to kick-start his career on Merseyside.
Wirtz, who is widely considered one of football's most promising talents, chose Liverpool over the German champion Bayern Munich and other interested clubs. This decision was the driving force behind Anfield bosses throwing all their energy into negotiations with Leverkusen, which lasted three weeks before the clubs agreed on an initial fee of $134 million (£100 million) — a record deal for the Reds — plus $21 million (£16 million) in add-ons that could make it a British-record transfer if activated.
The 22-year-old officially put pen to paper for his new club on June 20. He made his first appearance at the AXA Training Centre this week as he and his new teammates kicked off their preseason training.
However, unlike former manager Xabi Alonso and full-back Jeremie Frimpong, who were able to bid farewell after their respective summer moves to Real Madrid and Liverpool following Leverkusen's final home match of the season on May 11, Wirtz, a Leverkusen star since January 2020, never had the chance to say goodbye to his fans during the process.
In an Instagram post that resonated with heartfelt sentiments, the midfielder shared a video with the Leverkusen faithful to express his enduring connection to the club beyond the years he spent there.
Wirtz revealed: "Dear fans, unfortunately I wasn't able to say goodbye to you at the last game. That's why I am glad I can sit here once more in the BayArena and say a few words to you.
"I still remember when I transferred here five-and-a-half years ago as a 16-year-old kid with big dreams. I've had so many experiences I could never have imagined."
With a hint of nostalgia, he added: "I made my pro debut in Bremen at 17. Unfortunately that happened without fans but I was all the more excited when I could run out into the arena with you behind me. A lot has happened since then.
"We celebrated many victories here, many goals, many assists. During that time I was also able to grow as a national team player.
"Then came the biggest setback of my career, a torn ACL. I had to work hard on myself every day but it was easier because I felt that you were always behind me. After about 10 months I was finally able to stand on the pitch again, what happened after that is history."
Reminiscing on a high point, Wirtz recounted: "My hat-trick against Bremen when you all ran onto the pitch afterward, it was an incredible feeling. What we achieved this season is still hard to grasp. Unbeaten champions with such a huge points gap.
"Just like how I'll never forget how every time you called out my name, 'Fussballgott!' Even now thinking about it gives me goosebumps."
This nickname translates to English as 'Football God', a testament to the high regard Wirtz held amongst his local supporters.
He continued: "I'd love to come back to the BayArena a few more times as a guest and hopefully I'll get the chance to say goodbye to you in person this season.
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"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."
The video concluded with Wirtz packing up his locker at the BayArena, placing his belongings into a box and exiting through the door as the lights dimmed.
Back at Liverpool, Wirtz's new fans are keenly anticipating their record signing's first appearance this pre-season, particularly since he did not participate in the summer's opening match against Preston North End.
The German international was spotted alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, defender Ibrahima Konate, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and winger Luis Diaz, all of whom have been training individually since returning this week.
Liverpool.com says: Wirtz is going to be a top player for the Reds, but it is clear that he is the right kind of person to have in the dressing room. The amount of respect that he has at Leverkusen after leaving Germany says everything.
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