The former BVB star is keen to follow in the footsteps of the Argentina international and is relishing the opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola
New Bayern Munich signing Mario Gotze has revealed that Barcelona star Lionel Messi is a role model to him.
Many have speculated that head coach Pep Guardiola will deploy the Germany international as a Messi-esque ‘false No.9’ at Bayern and is keen to emulate the Argentine star.
“Lionel Messi is a role model for everyone, including me,” Gotze said during his presentation on Tuesday afternoon.
“I don’t see the transfer amount as extra pressure. It’s something to be proud of having just turned 21.
“Looking back, it wasn’t easy when the news broke that I was leaving Dortmund, but that’s behind me now. The important thing is to develop myself and I wanted to do that at Bayern.”
The 21-year-old then went on to discuss his relationship with Guardiola and stated that his first meeting with the former Barcelona boss was rather special.
“The first contact with Guardiola was really special. We talked about when I would be fit again. I watched Guardiola’s training sessions and I saw that he works a lot with the ball on technical things.”
Gotze is currently recovering from injury and could miss the beginning of Bayern’s season.