Borussia Dortmund sign Mario Gotze from Bayern

Midfielder apologises to fans for his move to rivals, and insists that he will work hard to regain their trust

German club Borussia Dortmund have announced the signing of Mario Gotze from rivals Bayern Munich on Thursday.

OFFICIAL | @MarioGoetze has completed a move to Borussia Dortmund.

All the best, Mario! pic.twitter.com/YTGlXamROR

— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) July 21, 2016

The 24-year-old, who scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, had previously left Dortmund for the Bavarians but has now re-joined Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Borussia Dortmund verpflichtet @MarioGoetze. Mehr Infos folgen. pic.twitter.com/Xs84TClWi6

— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) July 21, 2016

Gotze departed the club in somewhat acrimonious circumstances in 2013, with several fans claiming that he would not be welcomed back to the club. However, the deal has now been confirmed by both sides, with the attacking midfielder signing a four-year contract until 2020.



The 2014 World Cup winner also apologised to fans for his move to Bayern, and insisted that he will work hard to regain their trust.

“When I switched from Borussia to Bayern in 2013, it was a conscious decision that I will not hide myself behind today,” he told the club’s official website.

“Three years later, and at 24, I look with different eyes at my decision. I can well understand that many fans could not understand my decision. I would not even take it today!



“When I return to my home, I want to try to convince all people with my performances – especially those who will not receive me with open arms. My aim is to again play my best football. For all of us, the club and the BVB fans.”

Gotze struggled for game time at the Allianz Arena, and made just 14 Bundesliga appearances last season.

This article initially appeared on Goal.com