Rafael van der Vaart claimed Leroy Sane 'threw his career away' by joining Galatasaray, while hailing Bayern Munich’s new signing Luis Diaz.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Van der Vaart sparked debate by claiming Sane “threw his career away” after choosing Galatasaray over staying at Bayern. The winger ended his five-year spell at the Allianz Arena this summer, turning down a contract extension after changing agents and opting for a fresh challenge.
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Sane, who played over 220 games for Bayern with 61 goals and 55 assists, rejected interest from other European clubs to join the Turkish champions, citing the unforgettable atmosphere at Rams Park as a key factor. Since arriving, he has registered one goal and one assist in four starts.
The winger's departure left the Bavarians without one of their most experienced wide men, forcing the Bundesliga champions to splash €75 million (£65m/$87m) to sign Diaz from Liverpool. The Colombian has hit the ground running, with three goals and two assists in his first four matches, quickly easing fears over losing Sane.
WHAT VAN DER VAART SAID
In an interview with , ex-Hamburg and Real Madrid star Van der Vaart criticised Sane’s decision to leave Bayern for Turkey, questioning whether the winger had fulfilled his potential.
"Yes, definitely. Diaz is a fighter and gives his all every minute. He's very good," he said. "But I just think Sane's development is a shame. He threw his career away himself."
The Dutchman feels Bayern will be fine without the Germany international, as he backed Vincent Kompany to lead them to Champions League success: "Why not? I always find comparisons with other teams difficult. All top teams are at a good level. But to win the Champions League, you also have to be mentally top. After the previous season and their Champions League triumph, everyone thought Paris were unbeatable. And then they almost lost the Super Cup to Europa League winners Tottenham. They even suffered a defeat in the Club World Cup final against Chelsea."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR SANE AND DIAZ?
Sane is expected to feature again this weekend when Galatasaray face Eyupspor in the Turkish Super Lig, with the winger hoping to silence his critics. Meanwhile, Bayern will face Hamburg in the Bundesliga, with Diaz looking to continue his electric start and establish himself as the club’s new attacking talisman.
