Juventus have not been in contact with Bayern Munich over their playmaker Mario Götze, according to managing director Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
Speaking to Italian publication Gazzetta Dello Sport, Rummenigge first spoke highly of Juventus’ management team, especially of Andrea Agnelli. Agnelli is a 39-year old Turin-born businessman who is the President of the Italian champions. Ruminegge praised his influence, “Andrea Agnelli has revived the club and the team reached the final of the Champions League, I am one of his admirers."
The German youngster’s future has came under question in recent weeks after reports in Germany suggested that Pep Guardiola and Götze fell out during pre-season, which sparked criticism from German press and Bayern fans.
Will he stay in Munich?
The speculation is not phasing the German international, who got his name on the scoresheet in Bayern Munich’s Audi Cup 3-0 win over AC Milan. His goal 16 minutes from time gave the hosts some gloss on an already impressive score-line.
However, the honorary President at Bayern dismissed any reports of a previous Juve bid for the World Cup winner, “Offers from Juve for Mario? No, never had any,"
On the topic of his future, the 59-year old insists they can’t influence where Götze goes, “I don’t know what his thoughts are, but in the end, it is up to the player to decide.”
It's been a topsy-turvy time at the Allianz
The 23-year old joined the Bavarians in 2013 from fierce rivals Borussia Dortmund which sparked outrage from the BVB fans, marking him as one of the most hated ex-Dortmund players in history. He set the Bundesliga champions back €37 million.
Last season, Götze was a regular in Pep Guardiola’s side playing 48 times in all competitions, netting 15 goals. His current contract expires in 2017, but it remains to be seen whether the midfielder will see out his contract at the Allianz Arena.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had some wise words for Götze, who came under-fire from the Bayern fans and media who demand more from him, he advised him to “stay at Bayern and step on the gas”. With Bayern’s spending this summer, the competition for attacking places for the record title holders will be tougher than recent seasons.
Speaking on his future, the four-time Bundesliga winner expressed his intent to just play football - putting down any speculation in relation to regarding his future: “We will see what happens. We will see if he [Guardiola] will speak to me more often,” Götze said. “Now I will just let things come to me. For anything else we will have to see.”