By Victor Kanayo
England captain, Harry Kane, has officially joined Bundesliga giant Bayern Munich.
This was disclosed by the club via its official website on Saturday.
According to the club, the contract with the 30-year-old striker is for four years and he will wear number 9 shirt at Allianz Arena.
The move ends a 19-year stint with Spurs in which he became the club’s all-time top scorer.
Kane Emotional Speech
Kane also announced his exit from Spurs in a social media post shortly before the official announcement by the club.
He said, “I wanted to be the first to tell you Tottenham fans that I will be leaving the club today.
“Obviously a lot of emotions going through me through now. Sad to be leaving the club I have spent nearly 20 years of my life at from an 11-year-old boy to a 30-year-old man, there have been so many great moments and special memories, memories that I will cherish forever.
“I felt like this was the time to leave. I didn’t want to go into the season with a lot of unresolved future talk.
“I think it’s important for the new manager and players to concentrate on trying to get Tottenham back to around the top of the table and fighting for trophies. I wish [Tottenham manager] Ange [Postecoglou] and all the boys the very best of luck. Honestly I will be watching from a fan point of view now and really hoping the team can be successful.
“It’s not a goodbye because you never know how things pan out in the future but it’s a thank you and see you soon.”
Club Chairman’s Response
Welcoming Kane, FC Bayern president Herbert Hainer said, “Welcome to Munich, Harry Kane! We’re very happy about this top-quality new arrival. The transfer required tenacity, bite and perseverance – my compliments to all those involved in these negotiations at FC Bayern, led by our CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen. Harry Kane will not only strengthen FC Bayern, but also be a real asset to the entire Bundesliga.”
Kane is the all-time top scorer for both Spurs, with 280 goals, and England, with 58 goals.
He first joined Tottenham’s youth system in 2004 as an 11-year-old.
Kane’s career started at London club Ridgeway Rovers.
Through Arsenal and Watford youth sections, he joined the Tottenham Hotspur academy in 2004.
He represented the club at all junior levels up to U18 and signed his first professional contract in July 2010.
Kane could reportedly make his Bayern debut this Saturday in the German Super Cup against RB Leipzig.