Mario Gotze: 'I understand Borussia Dortmund frustration'

Mario Gotze has admitted that he understands the anger of Borussia Dortmund fans surrounding his summer switch to Bayern Munich.

Gotze became Pep Guardiola's first signing as Bayern boss in a £32 move, leaving a Dortmund side he joined at the age of eight.

The 21-year-old has asked Dortmund supporters to understand his decision, insisting that a move to the treble winners can only improve him as a player moving forward.

He told ZDF: "I can definitely understand their frustration. I played for Dortmund for quite a while and then joined Bayern. A lot of fans simply don't like that. I can understand their feelings.

"One should also look at it from my side, though. I want to keep on developing as a player. People should look at it from that angle, too.

"It was a combination of things that convinced me to join Bayern. There were a lot of reasons for me. The coach, the club and I wanted to try something new."

Gotze made his first appearance for Bayern in a friendly against Gyor on Sunday, scoring twice in a 4-1 win as he continues to recover from a groin injury.