Timo Werner has opened up on his decision to withdraw from RB Leipzig’s Champions League campaign ahead of his move to Chelsea this summer.
Werner will officially move to Stamford Bridge on July 1 after completing a big-money move to the Premier League, the Germany international having become Chelsea‘s second signing of the summer following a prolific campaign for Leipzig.
The 24-year-old played his final game for the Bundesliga side on Sunday and scored twice during their 2-1 win over Augsburg, becoming Leipzig’s all-time record goalscorer in the process after taking his tally to 95 goals in 159 appearances.
Leipzig’s season, however, is not finished with the club having progressed to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, though Werner has decided to play no part in August’s latter stages as he prepares ahead of the new Premier League season.
The German has now discussed the difficult decision he had to make to withdraw from Leipzig’s Champions League campaign, but says it was important he focused on Chelsea ahead of a hugely anticipated move.
We're sure Timo will fit in well at the Bridge, he already knows how to score against Spurs 😈
🔴⚪ #DieRotenBullen #Werner pic.twitter.com/uu6EO9ztBn
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) June 18, 2020
“Of course it hurts me that I can’t help out [RB Leipzig] to play in the Champions League. But I’m a Chelsea FC player from July 1st and I’m being paid by Chelsea from then on,” Werner told Sportbuzzer.
“It was clear that all parties – Chelsea, RB and my side – should and must settle this. Of course I tried to keep out of the Champions League issue as much as I could because it was clear that I would have to hurt one side. That’s why my agent finally agreed it with the clubs.”
Werner admitted the risk of injury was amongst a host of reasons for opting out of Leipzig’s Champions League squad, but says he will be a keen supporter of the club’s progress despite his departure to English football.
“There were many reasons,” he said. “And in the end it was a joint decision by everyone involved. Not against something, but, as Oliver Mintzlaff also said, for a clear step and cut for everyone.
“I am connected to Leipzig and RB forever, I’ll sit in front of the television at the quarter-finals and keep my fingers crossed – maybe I can even be there in Lisbon.”