Want to turn Euro 2020 into Low's farewell gift: Leroy Sane

BERLIN: The upcoming Euro 2020 is the perfect opportunity to give departing Germany head coach Joachim Low a proper send-off, feels Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane.

"It is in the heads of the players to gift a farewell present to him," the 25-year-old German forward told Xinhua in an online interview on Wednesday.

Sane also called the 2014 World Cup-winning coach a great person. "Everyone is excited about his last major tournament," he added.

The former Manchester City star noted that his career in the Germany shirt started with Low's invitation in 2015, and that he feels sad about the coach leaving.

Despite being drawn into a tough Group F comprising 2018 World Cup winners France, 2016 European champions Portugal, and Hungary, Sane said, "We can't wait for the kick-off, but before that we want to prepare perfectly to achieve our goals."

Sane called the group "a challenge from the start", but said that facing strong opponents from the beginning "might be an advantage for the games after the group. It makes you sit up straight right away".

The winger said he is happy about Oliver Bierhoff's "nice dreams" as the national team director spoke about his desire "to see Leroy shoot us to the title".

Having won the German Bundesliga title with Bayern this season, Sane has new motivation to continue to be successful.

"No matter whether you win titles in the Premier League or in the Bundesliga, it makes you hungry for more," the 2018 and 2019 Premier League winner said.

A severe knee injury in August 2019 made it difficult for Sane to return quickly. "It took me a while to get back to my best shape and get used to the new club and team," Sane said after joining Bayern last summer.

"I am happy now, but of course, it took me a while to come back. The Covid-19 pandemic didn't make things easier. Now I am entirely focused on the Euro tournament," he added.

Regarding next season, Sane is curious to work with incoming Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann. IANS

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