Kimmich’s discreet nod to Barça
The Bayern Munich midfielder, who has been on Barcelona’s wants list for a long time, confessed that his great idol is ‘culé' - Xavi.
With Joshua Kimmich, it seems it’s always a case of six on one and half a dozen of another. Despite making it clear that he plans to continue on board at Bayern Munich, the German midfielder once again aimed a nod at Barcelona during the Bundesliga champion’s tour of Japan. In an interview with Goal Japan, Kimmich was asked which player, past or present, that he looked up to the most and didn’t hesitate in his reply.
“My great idol was always Xavi Hernández from Barcelona”, said the German international, with a smile as soon as he finished the sentence. The player knows full well that Barcelona have admired him for a long time and have him at the top of their wants list - and also that his words would soon reach his idol, now Barça’s coach. About two months ago, Xavi himself said, “If the door is open, there will be negotiations with Bayern” for Kimmich.
Settled in Munich
However, just a couple of days ago, the player hinted that he is more or less fully committed to Bayern. During a press conference upon arrival in Japan, Joshua, who is under contract at the Allianz Arena until 2025, was asked about his future plans and replied: “I am very sure that I will stay at Bayern. Personally, I have no other plans at the moment.”
It’s a similar situation with his midfield partner at Bayern, Leon Goretzka. While the German champions club would consider selling him if a tempting offer comes in, the former Schalke player is clear about where he wants to play: “I love the club, I love the city, I love the fans. I just want to stay here. I don’t think about leaving,” concluded the German international, despite the fact that he will face competition for a starting place during the new season from new signing Konrad Laimer who joined from Leipzig earlier this month.