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.
Neil Wilkes
