Florian Wirtz has opened up over his future amid speculation that the Bayer Leverkusen superstar could be in line for a big money transfer this summer.
Wirtz is expected to be one of the most in-demand stars of the upcoming transfer window, with the likes of Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid all interested in the 22-year-old.
Bayern Munich are believed to be Wirtz’s ideal team of choice but the German international has revealed that he could consider ‘something new’, admitting that he is ‘definitely keen’ to leave his ‘comfort zone’ in the future.
“I’m quite lucky to have so many excellent clubs right on my doorstep and to now be able to play for one of the best clubs in Germany and Europe,” Wirtz told Sports Illustrated.
“I have great respect for the guys here in Leverkusen, who come from South America or Africa, for example, and leave their families and surroundings behind for their careers.
“I’m definitely keen to leave my comfort zone at some point and experience something new. I know the football changing rooms well enough and am convinced that I would quickly find a place anywhere.”
Wirtz: Money will not decide my future
Leverkusen are believed to have placed a price tag of around €150 million on their star man as he enters the final two years of his contract.
Wirtz is likely to consider his future amid the impending departure of manager Xabi Alonso, who is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid manager.
However, Wirtz insisted that whatever decision he made would not be impacted by money, with a club’s ‘sporting perspective’ the most influencing factor in any move.
“When I moved from Cologne to Leverkusen, I didn’t think about my salary for a single second, but only about what was best for my career,” Wirtz said. “I don’t even think about how much money I have in my account or what I could earn in the future.
“Of course, you should make sure you get a good contract. But for me, the sporting perspective is much more important than the money. And I think my parents would be angry if I were too fixated on money.”
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