Since my transfer to FC Bayern was announced today, I want to take this chance to say a few things myself about this.
As you can probably imagine, these past weeks were nerve-racking for me too, since I had to make the hardest decision in my life. In the end I came to the conclusion to take a new challenge for me, even moreso in my home town, where my family and several friends live.
It's clear to me that it will be difficult for some people to understand my decision. But after eight and a half really fantastic years in Dortmund, it was time for me to try something new.
It is with a heavy heart that I leave the club and the team with which I grew up and was able to celebrate great successes. Therefore, I am grateful to everyone who assisted in that. To you, the the extraordinary fans of this great club. To all the employees who work "behind the scenes". And, naturally, to the three coaches I was able to experience here, as well as Michael Zorc and Hans-Joachim Watzke.
And especially I want to thank my teammates, because they - regardless of the fact that, without them, these past few years would not have been possible - always had an open ear for me.
Of course I've seen so many messages, comments and posts trying to convince me to stay at BVB. And also the massive response after our game against Wolfsburg, regardless of at the stadium, at the training grounds or in the supermaket, I was very touched. This says a lot about the unique BVB fans, and I know very well to treasure that.
I will now give it my all in the remaining traning sessions and games to honor this time with a worthy farewell. To return to the Ruhrpott with the cup in the hands after the final!
Thank you!
Mats
