Not too long ago, it was reported Mario Gotze’s time at Dortmund is coming to an end, and a new venture is on the cards for the versatile offensive player but where is this new venture?
The up and down career for the 28-year-old German is a cautionary tale of unmet expectations and the fragility of the physical abilities of professional footballers. At the age of nine, Gotze joined BVB’s youth program and rose through the ranks, and debuted for the first team at 17 in 2010.
Under Jurgen Klopp, Mario became a sensation at the Westfalenstadion as a prolific all-round offensive force. He then made the surprising switch and inked a deal to go to rivals Bayern Munich in 2013 just days before his club was to face them in the Champions League final.
A final that Dortmund would lose. Gotze made his debut for Pep Guardiola’s Bayern squad the following August and performed well despite making significant adjustments in his playing style in the new system.
🎙 Zorc prematch presser:
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) May 23, 2020
“We will part ways with Mario Götze this summer. It was a mutual and respectful decision. Mario is a great man.” pic.twitter.com/XHcvuRsOrQ
Having been a rising star in the German national team, Mario appeared to play his best for his country. He became a national hero for scoring the World Cup-winning goal in extra time in 2014 against Argentina.
Raising the World Cup in Brazil was the zenith of Gotze’s career.