MARIO GOTZE has returned to Borussia Dortmund three years after leaving for rivals Bayern Munich.
The 24-year-old World Cup winner is expected to sign a four-year deal for a fee of £18million.
Gotze, speaking to the Dortmund website, said: “When I switched from BVB to Bayern in 2013 that was a conscious decision that I will not hide myself behind today.
“Three years later, and at 24-years-old, I look with different eyes at my former decision.
“I can well understand that many fans could not understand my decision. I would not even take it so today.
“When I return to my home, I want to try all people – especially those who do not receive me with open arms – to be convinced by my performance.
“My aim is to again play my best football. For all of us, the club and the BVB fans.”
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After moving as one of the most wanted prospects in Europe, Gotze struggled to find form at the Allianz Arena.
He had been a key player in two title-winning teams under Jurgen Klopp and although he won three more Bundesliga titles, including two doubles, at Bayern he was rarely first-choice and played just 21 matches last season.
Gotze, who scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, had been linked with a reunion with Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
However, he ultimately decided to return to Dortmund, who have lost key playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Manchester United this summer.
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