Speaking extensively to Sport Bild, Bayern Munich attacker Leroy Sané discussed his knee injury, turning down a contract extension with Manchester City, his character and Bayern Munich.
“I’m a German international and now I’m part of the biggest club in Germany,” said the 24-year-old. “I know that the focus will often be on me. But I don’t put pressure on myself with that. I’ll do what is doable, but it must never affect my performance on the pitch.”
Sané had been linked heavily with a move to Bayern Munich last summer but after picking up an injury in the Community Shield last summer, the Germany international had to wait for his move.
“At that moment, I was more worried about my knee than the transfer. I’ve never had problems with my knee before so it was a shock,” added Sané.
With just one-year remaining on his deal at the Premier League club, Sané turned down a contract extension with the desire to try something new.
“Pep helped me reach a high level. He’s so meticulous and wants to develop his players every day,” said Sané. “Pep and this fantastic team were the reason I went to Manchester. But in my mind, I wanted to try something new. Bayern’s concepts and plans for me the best.
“Hasan Salihamidžić and his concept played a very big role. He stood behind the transfer from the first moment and was not put off by anything. He showed me how the club works, which team he has in mind and how things will look.”
Sané had received criticism suggesting that he doesn’t have Bayern Munich’s Mia San Mia attitude: “That came from people who don’t know me and don’t know how I work. How can someone do something like that? I would never speak about the character of someone I don’t know.”
With Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman already in the squad, Sané will have competition for places, but knows that he has to be at his absolute best to play in the Bayern team.
“I want to play but I won’t demand to start every game,” added Sané. “No player in the world can start every since game and reach the highest level. I’m not against rotation at all. Serge, Kingsley and I sounds very good.”
