Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has penned a heartfelt letter to star player Florian Wirtz after his move to Liverpool.
Leverkusen have accepted a bid of £100m plus £16m in bonuses to sell key midfielder Florian Wirtz to Liverpool, making it the Bundesliga’s most expensive player sale.
As Rolfes, who worked with Wirtz, expressed เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา his feelings in a letter after the 22-year-old ended his career with Leverkusen to start anew at Liverpool.
“To Florian,
“I didn’t want to write this letter, I wanted to tell the world that you were going to stay with Bayer Leverkusen for the rest of your career, but you have decided to leave our club and start a new chapter in your life. Of course I fully respect your decision. We are not just losing a world-class player, we are losing a special person.
“When I first met you, it wasn’t just your football skills that stood out to me, although what you did with the ball still left me speechless. What really impressed me was your attitude, your will to win, your hunger to score goals no matter what the game was, your effort to improve yourself in the little details, and having your parents there to support you and keep you grounded.
“You never lose that determination. On the contrary, it became even stronger after you suffered your ACL injury. We spoke during that difficult time and I could feel your frustration at not being able to play football but also your determination to come back stronger.
“This attitude makes you a quiet, focused, determined leader. Experienced players admire you. You have been a superstar for so long but you are still the same ‘Flo’. Like in the title decider against Bremen. Where you scored a hat-trick and even after the fans entered the stadium you continued to score.
“You told me you had never scored a hat-trick before, that’s why you tried to do it, simple as that. And you remember when we were in Marseille and I told you you could wear the number 10 shirt. You were so happy and proud. The photo taken a few minutes later shows your happiness. It says a lot about you.
“I wish you the best of luck in your journey at Liverpool Football Club. I know you will do well there and I hope you will win many more trophies and titles. Maybe not when we meet.
“Thank you, Flo, for the time you spent with us in the Bayer shirt and for being yourself. Thanks you to your family, who have always been there for us. Thank you to your parents, who spoke to us with respect and humility. We have known each other for many years. Our trust and bond are strong and rare in football. You and your family will always be part of the Bayer 04 family.