After two sessions in Doha, it finally happened. First with his head and then with his left foot, Sandro Wagner finally scored his first two goals back in Bayern colours. However, the 30-year-old did not need those strikes to immediately feel at home back with the record champions. “Everything is really positive,” he reported after his first day and a half back training with FCB. “The team has welcomed me very well. It’s an absolute dream to be home again at Bayern. I’m just happy.”
Wagner previously wore Bayern colours from 1995 to 2008. After coming through the youth academy, he featured for the reserves and in fact played his first four Bundesliga games for the record champions. Following spells at numerous clubs, he is now back at his hometown club and sees things very differently. “I left as a young player and return as a Germany international. It’s different and you notice that.”
“He knows we have great faith in him,” said sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic. The Confederations Cup winner is “a class guy with a super mentality. He’s a fighter and always gives his all.” He also fills a gap in the FC Bayern squad. “We only had Lewandowski to play centre forward so Sandro is a welcome addition. It’s a good move,” added coach Jupp Heynckes.
„“I’m pleased to have made it back to Bayern. There are worse careers.””
Sandro Wagner
Wagner has signalled that he is pushing for playing time in training. “I know what to expect here. I know I’ll be on the bench for periods,” he said. “However, everyone will get time out on the pitch. The coach said that today. My ideal dream would be to get playing time and make it into the World Cup squad.”
Ahead of his move to Munich from Hoffenheim, the 30-year-old sought advice from Germany boss Joachim Löw. “He told me to make the move. It was the only decision for me.” That is because he is hoping to improve even more at Bayern. “It’s a different level here compared to other Bundesliga teams. The level in training and the pace are both extremely high. You have to be focussed 100 per cent of the time. It’s the best,” he said. “It helps you progress when you have to give your all every day.”
The fact he will also get to see his family, who have lived in Munich for the last few years, every day will also spur him on. “It’s just really great. Munich is my home. Everything I have is in Munich.” There is only one thing he is dreading though: The singing that all new signings have to do as their initiation into the team. “I won’t impose myself,” Wagner grinned. “My friends have often told me to stop singing.” Wagner is not back at Bayern to sing though. He has come home to score goals.
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