Harry Kane has finally called time on his glittering Tottenham career by joining Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
The England captain, 30, signed a contract with the German side until 2027 after posting an emotional farewell to fans of his former club on social media.
After sealing the deal, he told fcbayern.com: “I’m very happy to be a part of FC Bayern now.
“Bayern is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I’ve always said that I want to compete and prove myself at the highest level during my career.
“This club is defined by its winning mentality โ it feels very good to be here.”
Hard to put into words how to say goodbye to a club and fans who have done so much for me in my career. You will always be in my heart. Thank you Tottenham, thank you Tottenham fans. ๐ pic.twitter.com/L662cyax7p
— Harry Kane (@HKane) August 12, 2023
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy paid tribute to the iconic striker and revealed why he reluctantly agreed to sanction the deal.
He said: “We sought over a long period of time to engage Harry and his representatives in several forms of contract extension, both short and long term.
“Harry was clear, however, that he wanted a fresh challenge and would not be signing a new contract this summer. We have reluctantly, therefore, agreed to his transfer.
“We have seen a product of our academy system become one of the best players to ever pull on a Spurs shirt and become one of world football’s elite strikers. It has been a truly remarkable journey
“Harry’s achievements and records say everything about the player, and throughout his 19 years at the club, Harry has been a model professional, on and off the pitch and an inspiration for young players who dream of following in his footsteps.
“I should like to thank Harry for everything he’s done for us, all the memories, all the records โ we wish him and his family all the best for the future.
“It goes without saying, he’s always welcome back. He’s a much loved and valued member of the Spurs family, forever in our history.โ
โจโฆ๏ธ ๐๐๐ โฆ๏ธโจ #ServusHarry#MiaSanMia #FCBayern pic.twitter.com/aASZWlCTsI
— FC Bayern Mรผnchen (@FCBayern) August 12, 2023
Kane joins Bayern following a pursuit that has spanned over several months and until recent days had appeared destined to fail.
Levy spent the summer window rebuffing significant bids for his talismanic striker, who was entering the final year of his contract.
But after the two clubs finally reached an agreement over a fee on Wednesday, Kane has opted to leave his boyhood team to join the Bavarians โ currently managed by former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
Already Spurs’ all-time top goalscorer and sat just 47 strikes behind Alan Shearer as the Premier League’s most prolific marksman, there was growing hope in North London that the forward would be staying put this summer.
His dramatic departure now throws a spanner in the works for new Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, who had been able to call on the No10 throughout pre-season.
The Australian boss, 57, had spoken openly about the possibility of losing Kane and now must quickly adjust to life without his star man.
After enduring mixed loan spells with the likes of Leyton Orient, Norwich, Leicester and Millwall early in his career, Kane has gone on to establish himself as an elite striker.
He leaves his boyhood club having scored a whopping 280 goals in 435 matches across all competitions.
