Mario Gotze 'understands' Borussia Dortmund fans' anger

Mario Gotze has admitted that he 'understands' fan anger over his decision to rejoin Borussia Dortmund three years after he departed for bitter rivals Bayern Munich.

The 24-year-old completed his switch from the Bundesliga champions earlier today, signing a four-year deal worth more than £18m.

As rumours of his potential return to Westfalenstadion emerged last season, angry Dortmund fans unveiled banners declaring that he would not be welcomed back following his previous defection.

"When I switched from BVB to Bayern in 2013, that was a conscious decision that I will not hide myself behind today," Gotze told the Dortmund website.

"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 myself today!

"When I return to my home, I want to try to convince all people - especially those who do not receive me with open arms - with my performances. My aim is to play my best football again. For all of us, the club and the BVB fans."

Gotze joined Dortmund as a nine-year-old and in his four years in the senior side, notched up 22 goals in 83 Bundesliga appearances.