Luis Díaz has opened up about his high-profile move from Liverpool to Bayern Munich, describing the transfer as a “big gamble”—one that already seems to be paying dividends. The Colombian winger sealed a £65.5 million (€75m) switch to the Bundesliga champions this summer, just months after lifting the Premier League title with the Reds.
The gamble paid off in stunning fashion on his debut. Díaz struck the decisive goal in Bayern’s DFL-Supercup victory over Stuttgart, instantly announcing himself to the Allianz Arena faithful. Reflecting on the occasion, he told ESPN: “It was my first official match, my first goal, and my first title. I dreamed of coming here to achieve great things… To start this way and be together with my teammates is incredible.”
Before leaving Merseyside, Díaz leaned on advice from his then-teammate Florian Wirtz, who had made his own headline-grabbing switch to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for a record £116m. Wirtz briefed him on the physical demands of the Bundesliga, preparing Díaz for the challenge ahead. “I had the opportunity to talk to Florian in Liverpool, and I know it’s a physical league. I hope to have a great debut,” Díaz explained.
But amid the excitement of his Bayern bow, Díaz’s thoughts turned to a tragic loss. He dedicated his goal to former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, who, along with his younger brother André Silva, recently lost his life in a devastating car accident. “It’s brutal,” Díaz said. “He was a great teammate to me. We will remember him fondly. He will live on in our memories, and being able to dedicate the goal to him is something special.”
In a single weekend, Díaz showcased both his brilliance on the pitch and his humanity off it, underlining why Bayern took a chance on him. If his debut is any indication, this “gamble” may well turn into one of the most impactful moves of the summer.
The Tactical Journal 
Leave a comment