Florian Wirtz completes move to Liverpool

Fernando Carro: "Florian Wirtz developed from a very promising talent into a world-class player here with us. We are very proud of the path he has taken at Bayer 04," said the CEO. "Now we have to let him go. We will miss Florian but part of him will always be connected to Bayer 04. His sporting ability and his irrepressible commitment are an example and inspiration to us to show our full ambition to establish Bayer 04 at the top of German football and always strive to achieve the maximum success."

Managing director sport Simon Rolfes highlighted the special relationship between Bayer 04 and the attacking midfielder: "Florian's departure is associated with lots of emotions for the whole club and also for me personally. He came to us as a 16-year-old and he built up close and warm relations with many people at the club over the years. Through his attitude, his passion and his unconditional desire to win he not only motivated and inspired his teammates on the pitch but also the staff in the immediate vicinity of the team and throughout the club," said Rolfes. “Florian never played for himself, he always put the success of the team first. On behalf of everybody, I'd like to say a sincere thank you. Florian Wirtz will always be part of Bayer 04," said Rolfes.

Wirtz leaves Leverkusen with some sadness: "It's not easy to leave after five and a half great years. I've experienced unique things and incredible moments here at Leverkusen. The club always supported me and believed in me including during the difficult time with my injury," said the Germany international. "I would like to say thank you for that and for the great sympathy shown to me by the management, teammates and all the staff on that day. And I'd like to say to the fans of Bayer 04 who got behind me and the team over all those years: It was an honour for me to do my best. And I’m already looking forward to a reunion on the pitch."