Leon Goretzka insists he made the right choice in choosing Bayern Munich despite several other offers – one of which was from Barcelona.
The midfielder reached agreement with the Bavarians last January after deciding he would let his contract with Schalke expire, and was officially presented as a Bayern player this week.
The 23-year-old, who started his career with hometown club Bochum, was the subject of interest from a number of Europe’s top clubs and was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona before the summer.
However, he told reporters as far as he was concerned he made the correct choice to join the Bundesliga champions, but it was only their offer that stopped him leaving Germany.
“I have made the best choice by coming to Bayern,” said Goretzka. “Of course, it was an honour when I heard of their interest.
“I had several options and took a lot of time in deciding, but I believe the decision I made was the right one.
“I see myself as a No 8 but I am versatile and ready to play in different positions.
“I have a very positive impression of boss Niko Kovac and everything else will start to happen over the next few days.”
Goretzka was in the Germany squad for the World Cup in Russia, where his only appearance came in the 2-0 defeat to South Korea which confirmed his country’s exit, and he admits it has taken some time to get over the disappointment.
“I have thought about the World Cup a lot ever since,” he confessed. “But it was helpful to have people around me. My mother and father have always supported me.”
