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<ul><li>Wirtz says emotional goodbye to Leverkusen fans</li><li>Visited BayArena one last time</li><li>Joined Liverpool for a record-breaking fee</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Liverpool new boy Florian Wirtz creates emotional farewell video for Bayer Leverkusen fans after record-breaking transfer to Anfield

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<p>Wirtz could not bid a proper farewell to the Leverkusen faithful on the pitch as negotiations between the German side and the Reds began at the end of the 2024-25 season and he eventually <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/best-player-world-florian-wirtz-ambition-revealed-bayer-leverkusen-scout-doubts-liverpool-premier-league/blt5bcddeba4ced2e7b#csc85630c696e173b2" target="_blank">sealed a historic move to Anfield for a British record fee of £116 million ($156m)</a>. The 22-year-old playmaker did, however, visit the BayArena one last time to say a final goodbye to the fans.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Wirtz said in an emotional video on his Instagram: "Dear fans, unfortunately, I wasn't able to say goodbye to you at the last game. That's why I'm glad I can sit here once more in the BayArena and say a few words to you. I still remember when I transferred here five and a half years ago as a 16-year-old kid with big dreams. I've had so many experiences I could never have imagined.</p><p>"What we achieved [in 2023/24] is still hard to grasp. Unbeaten, champions, with a huge point gap. How you welcomed us back here. When we drove through the city on the bus and arrived at the stadium to celebrate in the rain, I'll never forget that. I want to thank you for the beautiful time you gave me and for all the love you showed me. I hope you become champions again. Yours, Flo."</p><p></p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMGCCigMKM3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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WHAT WIRTZ SAID

<p>The Germany international played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga-winning season, impressing with his vision, control, and maturity on the ball. He also finished their most recent campaign with 16 goals and 15 assists. Now, Wirtz will continue his career at Anfield, where he’ll be expected to make an immediate impact and lead the midfield into a new era.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>After beating Preston in their first pre-season friendly last weekend, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/liverpool-pre-season-2025-tour-fixtures-results-tickets-watch/blte4b6b39fac5dfe54#csa310bc1a07085b1d" target="_blank">Arne Slot's side will now travel to Hong Kong and Japan</a> to face AC Milan and Yokohama F Marinos on July 26 and July 30, respectively.</p><p></p>

WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

Liverpool new boy Florian Wirtz creates emotional farewell video for Bayer Leverkusen fans after record-breaking transfer to Anfield | Goal.com

Florian Wirtz bid farewell to Bayer Leverkusen fans in a heartwarming video that he shared on social media. Wirtz thanked the fans for their constant support during his five-and-a-half years stint at BayArena after completing his record-breaking move to Liverpool. Wirtz played a key role in Leverkusen&apos;s domestic double success in the 2023-24 campaign.

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