Mario Gotze has "never really lived up to the expectations" at Bayern Munich, according to former Germany international Gunter Netzer.
Gotze, 24, joined Bayern from Borussia Dortmund in 2013 and has made 114 appearances for the German champions in all competitions.
The attacker has largely struggled to make a serious impact at the Allianz Arena, however, and has been linked with a move away this summer after only managing three league goals during the 2015-16 season.
Netzer, who made 37 appearances for Germany between 1965 and 1975, has claimed that Gotze is facing the task of 'proving himself all over again' after a disappointing spell with Bayern.
"I get the feeling that he is still looking for his former self. He has not developed at all at Bayern. He never really lived up to the expectations at Bayern," Netzer told Sport Bild.
"It depends on his personality whether he should leave Bayern. It is not an easy step. Should he stay in Germany or move abroad? A move abroad has done a lot of players good, especially those who have a point to prove.
"Pep Guardiola once said Gotze is the best player he has trained after Lionel Messi, and I can understand that comment. Mario has some incredible skills. But they are of no use when you are not showing it on the pitch. He has to prove himself all over again."
Gotze, who was part of the Germany squad that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016, has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks.
Matt Law
