“A dream come true”: Reaction to being Bundesliga champions

Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer AG: "It has been a pleasure to get to know and cheer on Fernando Carro, Simon Rolfes, Xabi Alonso and the team over the past year. I have seen first-hand how their focus on a common goal and their willingness to put the team before themselves has led to outstanding results. I wish them all the best for their continued success - for everyone at the club, for the fans, for the city of Leverkusen and for the entire Bayer family."

Werner Wenning, chairman of the shareholders' committee: "I would like to thank the entire team and I would especially like to thank the fans who have supported the team and will continue to do so. It’s amazing!"

Fernando Carro, Bayer 04 CEO: "I've always said that history owes Bayer 04 Leverkusen another league title - and now it's happened. We have the best fans, players, the best team, the best coaching staff and the best employees - we have the best club in Germany."

Simon Rolfes, Bayern 04 managing director for sport: "It's incredible. You could see the emotions of the fans, who have waited a long time for the title and always had the feeling that this time we're going to do it. We have a special spirit in the team, they always give their all in every game and in every training session. All the players are part of the success. We always had the feeling that we could achieve something big if we all worked together. I'm incredibly proud of that."

Uwe Richrath, Mayor of Leverkusen: "A dream has come true. I’m so proud and very touched that our city, my home town, can experience and celebrate this moment. Today, above all, is a gift to the fans. To those who have been cheering on their team for decades in good times and bad, who are always there and remain loyal to their club. Now it has happened and the dam has broken. The Werkself, Bayer 04, your passion for the game and the great team spirit have flooded Leverkusen with a wave of euphoria. The city has changed as of today. But there are still important games ahead of us. No matter what, we will celebrate in style at the end of the season. The place of honour in Leverkusen is guaranteed to our champions and the club - you've had it in our hearts for a long time."

Hendrik Wüst, Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia: "North Rhine-Westphalia is proud that the Bundesliga trophy is back with us after 12 years. This impressive title decider simply matched Bayer 04's phenomenal and outstanding performance in this Bundesliga season." The CDU politician also addressed the fans of the Werkself: "After all these years of great support, you have carried your team to the title."

Bernd Neuendorf, president of the German Football Association (DFB): "My heartfelt congratulations to Bayer 04 Leverkusen on winning the Bundesliga, to those responsible around Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes, to the coaches, players and fans. The club has narrowly missed out on the title several times in the past, so the joy is certainly all the greater now. Under their coach Xabi Alonso, the team plays thrilling, masterful football, has not lost a game and has never left any doubt as to who would come out on top in the end. Bayer 04 Leverkusen have never allowed the race to get exciting at any point this Bundesliga season - there can be no greater compliment."

Rudi Völler, long-time Bayer 04 director and current DFB sporting director: "I know how much this first title means to the entire club. It is the result of far-sighted, intelligent and passionate work. Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes have put together an outstanding squad and brought in an outstanding coach in Xabi Alonso. The dominance and naturalness with which Bayer 04 plays matches under his leadership is impressive. The consistency of performances and results is incredible. I've never liked the term 'Neverkusen’ - now it's history. And quite rightly so. I sincerely congratulate the team, the bosses, the staff and, of course, all the fans of Bayer Leverkusen and, as a former player, long-standing sports director and managing director of the club, I wish them a wonderful title celebration."

Julian Nagelsmann, Germany coach: "Congratulations to the team, the coaching team and the entire club on winning the first league title in the club's history. Bayer 04 Leverkusen are the best German team this season and absolutely deserve the title. The mark of coach Xabi Alonso is clearly recognisable. The players act as a unit, are tactically disciplined and strong in duels, while at the same time being variable, creative and keen to play. The team's performances are proof of how important the right mix of quality and mentality is."

Reiner Calmund, long-time managing director at Bayer 04: "I'm delighted, I'm relieved, that was a great moment. For me, Alonso is not only the king of Leverkusen, but of the entire Bundesliga with such a clearly structured style of play. That was already outstanding in terms of play."

Michael Ballack, former Bayer 04 player (1999-2002, 2010-2012): "We always talked about the attack, but it's the defence that wins titles. You can see again what a role the head plays. Xabi had a great playing career, he won everything. His career as a coach is still young. He was smart to choose Bayer Leverkusen. He turned a good team into a champion team."

Herbert Hainer, Bayern Munich president: "Congratulations to Bayer Leverkusen on their historic first league title. The title is absolutely deserved for Leverkusen. It is the reward for an outstanding season and great football. FC Bayern's goal now is to bring the trophy back to Munich. See you in the new season."

Max Eberl, Bayern Munich board member for sport: "Bayer Leverkusen have played an outstanding season, so it's clear that we at Bayern want to be among the first to congratulate them. Congratulations in particular to Xabi Alonso, his coaching team and the entire squad. Your football has inspired the Bundesliga. Bayern's streak has been broken, but we will now do everything we can to attack again."

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, former Bayer 04 player (2015-2017): "I congratulate Bayer 04 Leverkusen from the bottom of my heart on their first Bundesliga title. The first of many to come - I'm absolutely certain of that. Enjoy it and celebrate, best wishes from Guadalajara."

Ilkay Gündogan, captain of Germany and Barcelona player: "Congratulations to Bayer Leverkusen on the title. Do they deserve it? There can be no doubt. What an achievement - wow! If the team stays together like this, they can also go far in the Champions League. I'm excited!"