As Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka’s time together at FC Bayern draws to a close, it became clear after the Heidenheim game just how emotional both players are about to say goodbye.
Leon Goretzka took advantage of FC Bayern’s 3-3 draw against 1. FC Heidenheim to make a special appearance. The midfielder scored twice, celebrated his goal to make it 2-2 in front of the fans and looked visibly relaxed. For the 31-year-old, it was his penultimate Bundesliga home game in the German record champions‘ shirt.
Joshua Kimmich also took a close look at the scene. The Bayern professional spoke openly about his long-time team-mate’s situation in the mixed zone after the game: „You can tell that he realizes that his time is coming to an end.“ Goretzka is about to leave Munich, his contract is coming to an end.
For Kimmich, the situation is not just a sporting issue. The 30-year-old played with Goretzka at FC Bayern for eight years, many of them in central midfield. The upcoming farewell is correspondingly close to his heart: „It’s emotional for everyone, including me.“ Looking back on their time together, Kimmich added: „That’s a long time when you consider that you have around 15 years as a professional.“
Eberl: „He has earned that“
Goretzka can look back on an eventful but successful period in Munich. He won the Champions League, several championships and the DFB Cup with FC Bayern. At the same time, the international had to overcome repeated setbacks, lost his regular place at times and still fought his way back.
Max Eberl also paid tribute to the midfielder’s handling of his role, saying after the Heidenheim game: „When we said almost two years ago that it could be difficult for him, he played superbly.“ Eberl also explained: „Even in the summer, when we said it would be difficult, he fought his way back.“
Goretzka underlined his value to the team once again against Heidenheim. In addition to his goal to make it 2:2, he also scored the equalizer from a free-kick before the break. It was the fourth brace of his professional career for the Gelsenkirchen native.
It remains to be seen what will happen next for Goretzka. There is interest from several clubs in the free agent midfielder, with AC Milan recently rumoured to be interested. Eberl said of the situation: „He is an international, is a free agent and a very good player.“ The Bayern boss also emphasised: „I am very pleased for him that he has received so many inquiries. He has earned that.“