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With Florian Wirtz leaving for Liverpool, Simon Rolfes penned a farewell that showed just how much he meant to Leverkusen.

In a heartfelt open letter, Rolfes paid tribute to the 22-year-old midfielder who rose from prodigy to Bundesliga champion and fan favourite at the BayArena.

I would like to tell the world that you will stay at Bayer 04 Leverkusen for the rest of your career.”

“But you decided to leave… and of course, I totally respect that.

Rolfes recalled his early conversations with the midfielder and the relentless drive that made him stand out.

“What really impressed me was your mindset.

He described Wirtz as “quiet, focused, driven” — someone even senior players looked up to.

Rolfes recalled the Bundesliga title-clincher against Bremen, where Wirtz scored a hat-trick, including a goal after fans had already stormed the pitch.

“It had to be you with that hat-trick.

Even when the fans were already on the pitch, you had to score again.”

Another moment that stood out was when Wirtz was handed the iconic No.

It tells a lot about you.”

Rolfes closed the message with warmth and gratitude, extending thanks not just to Wirtz, but to his family — and reminding him he’ll always have a place at Leverkusen.

“Thank you, Flo, for your time under the cross and for being who you are… You all will stay part of the Bayer 04 family.”

Wirtz now begins a new chapter at Liverpool — but the mark he left at Leverkusen is clearly one that won’t fade.

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