Mario Gotze return Borussia Dortmund from Bayern Munich
Borussia Dortmund has resigned midfielder Mario Gotze from Bayern Munich on a four-year contract.
Dortmund announced on their official website that Gotze, who made his controversial switch to Bayern in 2013, has agreed a contract until 2020.
No details of the fee were released but German publication kicker said he will cost an initial €18.3 million plus performance-related bonuses.
Gotze, who has yet to undergo his medical, scored 22 goals in 83 matches for Dortmund between 2009 and 2013, helping them to two Bundesliga titles and a German Cup.
The 24-year-old Germany international, whose Bayern contract is due to expire at the end of the season, struggled to live up to expectations at the Allianz Arena and was not part of new coach Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.
He left for Bayern three years ago in a move that still rankles with some Dortmund supporters, who displayed a banner at a game in April making it clear they would not welcome him back.
ICYMI: Borussia Dortmund re-sign @MarioGoetze https://t.co/pybiOs60xw pic.twitter.com/YYbOfEt6oP
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) July 21, 2016
Gotze, who was born in Bavaria but grew up in Dortmund and joined the BVB youth academy as an eight-year-old, Speaking at the completion of the deal, the 24-year-old added: “When I switched from BVB to Bayern in 2013 that was a conscious decision behind [which] I will not hide myself today.
“Three years later, and with 24 years of age, I look with different eyes at my former decision. I can well understand that many fans could not understand my decision. I would not even take it so today.
“When I return to my home, I want to try to convince all people by my performances – especially those who do not receive me with open arms – that my aim is to play my best football again. For all of us, the club and the BVB fans.”
OFFICIAL | @MarioGoetze has completed a move to Borussia Dortmund.
All the best, Mario! pic.twitter.com/YTGlXamROR
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) July 21, 2016
Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke told the club’s official website: “I am very happy that Mario has opted for Borussia Dortmund. Ever since his departure in 2013, I hoped he’d return one day.
“I would like to thank Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in particular. We’ve agreed three transfers with Bayern this transfer period. All of our talks were shaped by the greatest respect and mutual trust.
“Mario is a Dortmund lad, he’s one of the best creative midfielders in Europe and only 24. He had several options and consciously opted to return to his hometown club, a path which will certainly not be easy.”
Welcome back 👊😅🐝⚽️ @MarioGoetze
— Marco Reus (@woodyinho) July 21, 2016
Gotze, who scored the winning goal for Germany in the 2014 World Cup final, made just 14 Bundesliga appearances last season as he found his game-time was limited under Pep Guardiola.
He won three Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokals, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup since moving to the Allianz Arena in a 37m euro deal in 2013.
