Leon Goretzka explains decision to leave Schalke for Bayern Munich
Schalke and Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka believes his summer move to Bayern Munich is necessary to further his career.
As confirmed in January, the 23-year-old will officially become a Bayern player on 1 July, following five years in the royal blue of Schalke.
Watch: Goretzka taking his talents to Bayern
"I came to the conclusion that now is the right time to make the step," Goretzka told Funke-Mediengruppe. "I had the feeling that I needed to go out of my comfort zone in order to improve. I thought long and hard about it, and I was prepared for the fallout. It was the be-all and end-all for some; while others understood. I certainly didn't want to offend any of the Schalke fans."
Goretzka is the second high-profile name to leave Schalke for Bayern in recent years, after goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. To this day, both transfers are anathema to some royal-blue die hards, but Goretzka's commitment to his current employers remains firmly in place.
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"Bayern approach the Champions League with completely different expectations," Goretzka said. "At Schalke, the focus is purely on getting out of the group. I want to be part of that at Bayern, and I think it's the right step for me.
"Until then, I want to help Schalke realise their objective and, then, hopefully, I'll be going to the World Cup with Germany. I have a good chance, as long as I continue to play well."
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