Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze has insisted that he will stay at the club next season despite speculation linking him with an exit this summer.
The 23-year-old had been linked with a reunion with his former boss Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool along with a return to former club Dortmund, but instead has chosen to split with his agents and commit his future with the Bavarian giants.
It comes with Carlo Ancelotti set to arrive later this summer to replace Pep Guardiola as manager, and it appears as though the Italian’s appointment has played a significant part in Gotze’s decision.
“I look forward to the new season in Munich and will do everything possible to be in top shape during my first training session under Carlo Ancelotti,” he told Bild.
Gotze struggled through injury and form this season under Guardiola, making just 21 appearances in all competitions and scoring six goals while providing four assists.
However, he’ll now likely be given a fresh start by the new coach who will be expected to oversee further success, and few will doubt Ancelotti’s ability to ensure that Bayern remain top of the pile domestically while also challenging in Europe.
In order to do that the former AC Milan boss will need a strong squad with plenty of depth, and with the Bundesliga champions already signing Renato Sanches and Mats Hummels with more arrivals likely, he won’t be short of options next season.
Nevertheless, he’ll be under pressure to deliver a Champions League trophy during his tenure, as despite all the domestic success that Guardiola enjoyed, his inability to succeed in Europe with Bayern was seen as a damaging red mark against his stint.