Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz has claimed that he is ready to 'leave' his comfort zone amid reports of interest from numerous European giants.
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Wirtz linked with multiple European giantsSays he is ready to leave his 'comfort zone'Laughs at reports claiming to know his destinationFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Wirtz is considered one of the hottest prospects in Germany at the moment as the 22-year-old has shown top form with Bayer Leverkusen, especially over the last two seasons. It has often been reported that Wirtz could leave Die Werkself in the summer, with coach Xabi Alonso also expected to depart.
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Wirtz started his career with Koln before moving just 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) away to Bayer Leverkusen in 2020, and the 22-year-old has now talked about leaving his 'comfort zone' as reports continue to suggest the likes of Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are ready to strike a deal with Die Werkself to sign Wirtz.
GettyWHAT WIRTZ SAID
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Wirtz said: I’m pretty lucky that I have so many excellent clubs right on my doorstep and that I can now play for one of the best clubs in Germany and Europe. I have a lot of respect for the lads here in Leverkusen who come from South America or Africa, for example, and leave their families and surroundings behind for their careers.
"It definitely appeals to me to leave my comfort zone at some point and experience something new. I know football locker rooms well enough and I’m convinced that I would quickly settle in wherever I go.”
“I keep seeing posts about me on social media. Every now and then, I have to laugh when people write about where I’m supposedly playing next season. Nobody but me can know that. That’s why I don’t pay any attention to such news and deal with them in a pretty chill way.”
WHAT NEXT FOR WIRTZ?
With only two more games left until the end of the season, Bayer Leverkusen are in no man's land as Bayern Munich have already won the Bundesliga title, while Die Werkself have secured a second-place finish. As such, Wirtz will have two more games with his side before he decides what to do with his future.