Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 8y

Germany boss Joachim Low: Mario Gotze's heart still with Bayern Munich

Mario Gotze decided to stay at Bayern Munich because his heart is still at the club, according to Germany boss Joachim Low.

Gotze, 23, had been expected to leave Bayern this summer but he announced this week that he plans to fight for his place under incoming coach Carlo Ancelotti. 

The Germany international had been strongly linked with former club Borussia Dortmund as well as Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool and has just one year remaining on his contract at the Allianz Arena.

However, the attacking midfielder, who recently changed agents, has vowed to return to Bayern in the best shape as he seeks a fresh start under Ancelotti after having fallen down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola.

Low, who had earlier said Gotze needs trust to perform at his best, said he had spoken to the Bavaria-born player and understands his decision.

"We always stayed in touch and discussed his situation," Low said at the inaugural news conference at Germany's training camp in Switzerland on Wednesday.

"There were offers and enquiries for Mario, but I had the feeling that Mario's heart is in Munich. He wants to stay at Munich for another year and take his chance there."

Earlier on Wednesday, Germany national team general manager Oliver Bierhoff had said he was happy that Gotze, who scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, has put an end to the speculation ahead of Euro 2016.

"Mario will be at ease and can completely focus on the European Championships," Bierhoff told Bild.

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