After scoring the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, Mario Götze will forever hold a place in Germany fans’ hearts. However, due to recurring injuries, it seemed as though Götze’s international playing days were over.
The now 30-year-old midfielder hasn’t represented his country since 2017. Earlier this year, Götze moved from PSV to Eintracht Frankfurt in the hope of playing regular football and getting fit. It may have been considered a pipedream for Götze to make it back into the Germany squad in time for the World Cup. However, after a string of great performances with Frankfurt, national coach Hansi Flick has taken note and rewarded the former World Cup champion.
“He’s in top shape, can work for 90 minutes three times a week – that’s a good prerequisite,” said Flick. “I think we all know that Mario is a brilliant footballer who has played at a very high level in the last few games.”
Götze will certainly be someone the younger players can look up to, in terms of the World Cup he has quite literally been there and done it.
GGFN | Jamie Allen
