Florian Wirtz transfer: Bayer Leverkusen's three-word statement says it all after Liverpool move

Bayer Leverkusen delivered a short but emotional message following confirmation that Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz: "Look after him."

The Reds completed a deal that could rise to £116million as the German international signed a five-year contract at Anfield. And it would seem the 22-year-old has departed the Bundesliga on good terms having made his name at Leverkusen and ensured they earned a significant fee for his transfer.

Wirtz arrived at the Bundesliga side as a 16-year-old having grown up in Koln's academy. The attacker quickly hit the ground running at the BayArena and scored 57 goals in 197 appearances as he made his name as a goalscorer and playmaker.

And while Leverkusen's social media message was concise in its feeling, former Leverkusen midfielder and club managing director Simon Rolfes offered a lengthier tribute. The 43-year-old could not speak highly enough of the departing star.

"Florian's departure is associated with lots of emotions for the whole club and also for me personally," he said. "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.

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"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.

"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."

Despite his enthusiasm over joining Liverpool, Wirtz has conceded his exit comes with mixed emotions. "It's not easy to leave after five and a half great years," he said.

"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.

"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."

But Arne Slot's new signing is pleased to get the move over the line to take on a new challenge. Wirtz is hopeful the Premier League will be perfectly suited to his talents.

"I feel very happy and very proud," said Wirtz after signing. "Finally it’s done and I was waiting for a long time – finally it’s done and I am really happy.

“I'm really excited to have a new adventure in front of me. This was also a big point of my thoughts: that I want to have something completely new, to go out of the Bundesliga and to join the Premier League.

“I will see how I can perform there. I hope I can do my best. I spoke also with some players who played there and they told me that it’s perfect for me and every pitch is perfect, you can enjoy every game. I’m really looking forward to playing my first game.”

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