Settling the Rumors: Florian Wirtz Clarifies Liverpool Jersey Speculation
Florian Wirtz explicitly disputes stubborn t-shirt speculations
Football sensation Florian Wirtz has taken to Instagram to quash rumors swirling around his alleged desire for the number 10 jersey at FC Liverpool, should a move materialize. The German star, currently rocking the 10 for Bayer Leverkusen, shared a story, "Who says I want the 10? I respect players. Don't believe everything that's written." Attaching a clown face emoji, Wirtz diffused the speculation that he's vying for the number associated with Liverpool legends like Michael Owen and Sadio Mané, worn at the moment by Argentine World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.
According to Sky, discussions with the English champions did involve Wirtz's expressed desire for the number 10; however, the 26-year-old German national footballer put an end to any confusion.
Liverpool-Leverkusen Negotiations: Moving the Dial
As the negotiations between Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen progress, it's reported that the Bundesliga club has rebuffed the second offer from the English champions, a fixed sum of 118 million euros, plus 12 million euros in bonus payments. In the first round of negotiations, Liverpool allegedly offered 100 million euros, plus 15 million euros in additional payments. Bayer bosses are reportedly hoping for a sum surpassing the 150 million euros CEO Fernando Carro publically named as the minimum sum. Florian Wirtz, who wears the number 17 for the German national team, will take the field in Munich tonight against Portugal in the Nations League semi-final (9 pm / ZDF, Dazn and in the ntv.de live ticker).
The Chosen One? Debate Rages On
Former Germany coach, Joachim Löw, has voiced his opinion on Wirtz's impending transfer to the English Premier League. "Wirtz has no upper limit, he's definitely ready for the next step. That feeling has been there for a while. I just thought he would choose Real Madrid if he goes abroad," said Löw in "Sport Bild." Löw attributed Wirtz's future success to his relationship with Xabi Alonso, former Leverkusen star and the current coach at Real Madrid, who he believes played a crucial role in Wirtz's development. While questioning the world, Löw expressed confidence that the number 10 jersey wouldn't be a hindrance to Wirtz's adjustment to his new team.
Source: ntv.de, sue/dpa/sid
- Football National Team
- FC Liverpool
- Florian Wirtz
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- Joachim Löw
- Xabi Alonso
[1] Sky Germany[2] SoccerNews
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the introduction of a new type of electronic communications network, while Florian Wirtz clarified his stance on the Liverpool jersey speculation. Despite initial reports, Wirtz revealed he does not expressly desire the number 10 jersey at FC Liverpool, a number synonymous with sports heroes like Michael Owen and Sadio Mané.
