'I was needed again!' - Leon Goretzka reveals how Vincent Kompany made him feel 'highly valued' as midfielder confirms he wants to stay despite exit rumours

Amid uncertainty surrounding his future at Bayern Munich, Goretzka reiterated that he wishes to stay at the club next season and would also be happy to extend his current contract. The 30-year-old also revealed that head coach Kompany made him feel "highly valued" by counting on him and called him the "most important person in the club."

With the emergence of Aleksandar Pavlovic, Goretzka saw his role diminish in the 2024-25 season. After a difficult first few months during which Kompany brutally axed him from the matchday squad for the season opener in August 2024, the German international continued working hard and eventually won over the Belgian manager. In turn, Kompany reciprocated by showing faith in him and counting upon him as the season progressed, despite Bayern's insistence on getting rid of the player. Across Bundesliga and the Champions League, Goretzka made a combined total of 22 starts.

Speaking to reporters during the ongoing Club World Cup in the USA, Goretzka said: "I'm very happy to be at Bayern! That was discussed sufficiently. It started off difficult for me. But somewhere in the middle of the first half of the season, I was needed again.

"To be honest, I had the feeling from the start that I was highly valued by the coach. And it's stayed that way. The coach is the most important person in the club for me. I think I managed to help the team last year. And I'm confident I can do the same next season."

The former Schalke midfielder also confirmed his desire to stay at the Allianz Arena next season. He said: "I'm concentrating on the tournament. And, as I said, I'm happy to be at Bayern. Talks are always taking place. You might even run into each other at the buffet. When you're offered a new contract by your own club, it's a sign of appreciation. So, of course, you'll listen to it. Nothing has come yet, so that's fine with me."

Goretzka will next be seen in action on Sunday, June 29, when Die Roten take on Brazilian heavyweights Flamengo in the Club World Cup round of 16.