- Díaz admits Bayern switch risky
- Colombian reveals Wirtz advice
- Scores debut goal in Supercup victory
Behind the scenes, Liverpool fought hard to keep Diaz at Anfield. However, Diaz had reportedly expressed a desire to leave as early as the summer of 2024. The Merseyside club initially refused, but after protracted contract negotiations broke down, with both sides far apart on terms, the Reds finally agreed to sell.
Barcelona were interested in Diaz, but he eventually opted for a new challenge in Germany with Bayern. In an interview with ESPN Diaz admitted: “It was a big gamble and I’m very grateful to the management for reaching out to me and trusting me. It’s always up to me to respond on the pitch and contribute with what I know how to do. To be at the disposal of the coaching staff. To start this way and be together with my team-mates is incredible.”
Before packing his bags for Bavaria, Díaz sought out advice from Liverpool’s new record signing Florian Wirtz, who knows German football inside out after coming through the ranks at Bayer Leverkusen.
“I already had some knowledge of the Bundesliga,” he said. “I love watching football and all the competitions. I had the opportunity to talk to Florian in Liverpool, and I know it’s a physical league. I hope to have a great debut. I’ve been here at the club for about two weeks, and I need time to settle in.”
Any doubts about whether Díaz could handle the transition were silenced on Saturday. Making his competitive debut, the winger scored a decisive goal to handBayern a 2-1 Supercup victory over VfB Stuttgart.
“I’m very happy and pleased with how this weekend went,” the 28-year-old said. “It was my first official match, my first goal, and my first title. I dreamed of coming here to achieve great things and give my best. I try to enjoy football.”
With the Supercup already secured, Bayern’s attention now shifts to the Bundesliga curtain-raiser. On August 22, they host RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena in what promises to be a stern opening test. Diaz is expected to play a central role in that clash, as fans eagerly await seeing if his Munich gamble continues to pay off.
