Harry Kane says ‘just magical’ Bayern transfer is ‘incredible experience’ as he targets finally winning a trophy
HARRY KANE has thanked fans for their warm welcome after being unveiled as a Bayern Munich player.
The England captain’s £104million Tottenham exit was confirmed yesterday.
He was thrust straight into action, coming on as a substitute during Bayern’s 3-0 German Super Cup defeat to RB Leipzig.
Appearing at his first Bayern press conference this afternoon, Kane said: “It’s been an incredible experience so far. The reception at the game last night was just magical. Really excited to get to work.”
On what attracted him to the Bundesliga champions, he added: “I’ve always wanted to push my limits and see how far that could take me.
“I want to be fighting for the Champions League, I want to be fighting for titles. I’m looking forward to that challenge.”
Kane, 30, was also keen to thank his former club, as well as chairman Daniel Levy.
He said: “It was a busy week. This is my first transfer that I’ve been involved in.
“It was an up and down experience, but I’m happy to be here now, I wish Tottenham all the best, I wish Daniel Levy all the best.
“But my focus is here now and trying to help this team.”
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On how he will adapt to German football, Kane said: “I spent my whole career and my whole life in England.
“It might take a bit of adapting to get used to a new league, different teams.
“Everyone expects Bayern to walk away with the league every year, but teams are improving and it’s a challenge.
“I’ve adapted throughout my career with Tottenham and the national team, and I’ll do that here.”
Kane was reminded of Spurs’ bruising 7-2 defeat to Bayern during the 2019-20 season.
With a wry smile on his face, he joked: “I don’t remember that game!
“That didn’t affect my decision, but Bayern have been a big club for a long time.”
It was always going to be a tough decision. Tottenham is a club connected with my heart
Harry Kane
Much has been made of the fact that Kane has left the Premier League while trailing Alan Shearer’s all-time scoring record by just 47 goals.
He hinted that he could be back in England to try to complete the job later in his career, adding: “It was always going to be a tough decision. Tottenham is a club connected with my heart.
“But I want to win titles and felt this was the right time. People will talk about the record and Shearer, but I’ve got plenty of years left in my career.
“For now, it’s about trying to help this club and that’s what I’m focused on.”
Kane then vowed to “embrace the culture” following his move to Germany.
On the new language, he said: “Of course I’m going to try and learn. I want to try and embrace the culture and the country.
“I want to have at least one or two lessons every week. It will be tough, but it’s something I’m willing to try.”
Kane also revealed that he had received a text from England boss Gareth Southgate following his move.
He said: “I always said if there was a deal that suited all three parties then I wanted to do it.
“Gareth [Southgate] sent me a text yesterday congratulating me. He knows his striker for England is playing at the highest level and that can only help the national team.”
He also paid tribute to his wife Kate for her support throughout.
The forward said: “Two days ago I was sitting in London and we didn’t quite know how it was going to go. The kids probably think it’s like a vacation, but I’ll sit down and explain it to them.
“My wife was really supportive. She wants the best for me and my career. She wants me to be playing and happy and that’s why we made the decision together.”
On his reception from the Bayern fans last night, he added: “It was amazing to see the reception that I got. Throughout the game I could hear them singing.
“I wanted to come here and win last night but that wasn’t the case. It’s no time to panic, it’s a long season ahead. Thank you to the fans, hopefully I can give them some reasons to cheer over the season.”
Kane could make his Bundesliga debut on Friday night, when Bayern kick off their league campaign with a trip to Werder Bremen.
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