Bundesliga
Wirtz's emotional farewell message
Florian Wirtz was at the BayArena for a final time to say goodbye to Bayer Leverkusen before moving to Liverpool.
Wirtz shared the moment on Instagram, with a personal message to Bayer Leverkusen supporters to thank them for his "special journey" at the club.
The 22-year-old made history in Leverkusen as they romped to an unbeaten first Bundesliga title in 2023/24, lifting the DFB Cup in the process and finishing as runners-up in the UEFA Europa League.
After Leverkusen pushed eventual champions Bayern Munich close last term, Wirtz's time at the club came to an end this summer when he made a move to English champions Liverpool.
Denied the opportunity to say farewell to fans in person, Wirtz posted a moving video on Instagram.
He said: "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."
Wirtz continued: "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."