Germany legend Matthaus backs compatriot Goretzka to thrive at Milan | OneFootball

Lothar Matthaus has publicly backed Leon Goretzka to join AC Milan, insisting he can picture the German midfielder thriving alongside Luka Modric at San Siro as the Bayern Munich man’s future remains unresolved ahead of the World Cup.

Speaking on Sky Deutschland following Bayern’s DFB Pokal final victory over Stuttgart, via CalcioMercato, the Germany and Inter Milan legend was effusive in his praise for Goretzka before endorsing a potential move to the Rossoneri.

“Leon is a model player,” Matthaus said. “I would like to thank him because these eight years with him have been enjoyable. Leon has always been an example.”

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – MARCH 26: TV expert Lothar Matthäus looks on after the international friendly match between Germany and Netherlands at Deutsche Bank Park on March 26, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Matthaus backs Goretzka & Modric partnership as Bayern man keeps options open before World Cup

On a potential move to Milan specifically, Matthaus was encouraging. “I would see him well alongside Modric,” he said. “In the coming years I can picture him taking on that challenge.”

Goretzka himself, also speaking on the broadcast, was deliberately non-committal about his next destination. “I have not decided yet and I would not say the choice will happen between the end of the season and the start of the World Cup,” he said. “I will simply decide when I feel the moment is right.”

The 31-year-old is out of contract at Bayern this summer and will head to the World Cup as a free agent, a status that makes him one of the most attractive targets available at zero cost this summer.

For Milan, who are in the market for midfield reinforcement and may yet retain Allegri, a player of Goretzka’s profile, physical, technically accomplished and experienced at the highest level of European football, would represent a compelling addition.

His potential partnership with Modric, should both end up at San Siro next season, would give Allegri a midfield axis combining youth, power and elite-level craft in equal measure.