Mario Gotze has admitted he made an error of judgement in joining Bayern Munich in 2013 after re-signing for Borussia Dortmund.
Gotze was one of the leading midfielders in Europe when he agreed a move to the Allianz Arena after Bayern met his €37million release clause three years ago.
His career in Bavaria never really lived up to expectations and, despite winning a Bundesliga title in each of his seasons under Pep Guardiola, he became a peripheral figure towards the end of his Bayern career, making just 14 league appearances in 2015-16.
Gotze scored 44 goals and collected 55 assists in 156 Bundesliga matches during his first spell at Signal Iduna Park but left under a cloud when his move to Dortmund’s arch-rivals was announced just 36 hours before a Champions League semi-final clash with Real Madrid.
He now accepts that was a mistake as he attempts to regain the trust of those supporters who once idolised him.
He said: “When I moved from Dortmund to Bayern in 2013 it was a conscious decision that I stand by.
“Three years later, I can look at it now through different eyes. I can easily understand that many fans could not understand my decision. I would not make that decision now.
“When I return home I want everyone – especially those who won’t receive me with open arms – to be convinced through my performances.
“My aim is to play my best football again. For all of us, the club and the fans.”
The Germany international – who scored the winner in the 2014 World Cup final defeat of Argentina – cost Dortmund a fee in the region of €26m and will bolster a squad that has lost Ilkay Gundogan, Mats Hummels and Henrikh Mkhitaryan this summer.
Gotze has yet to undertake his medical but providing there are no issues he will sign a deal up to June 2020 with Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke told the club’s official website: “I am personally very pleased that Mario has decided to return to Borussia Dortmund. Ever since his departure in 2013 I hoped he would come back.”
Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc added: “Mario is a Dortmunder, one of the most creative midfielders in Europe and still only 24 years old. He had multiple options available to him but took the decision to return to his hometown club.”
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