Luis Diaz has admitted his move from Liverpool to Bayern Munich was 'a big gamble' after sounding out new Reds signing Florian Wirtz before completing the £65million switch.
The 28-year-old wasted little time making an impact in Bavaria, scoring the decisive goal on his debut in a 2-1 Super Cup win over Stuttgart.
His finish offered Bayern fans a glimpse of why the club were willing to break the bank on a player in the latter stages of his career.
The German giants were willing to meet the Reds' high asking price after his contributions to Arne Slot's Premier League winning side, with Vincent Kompany keen on his addition to freshen up the Bayern attack.
Diaz has revealed that he sought the guidance of Wirtz, who joined the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen in June after helping Xabi Alonso’s side win the league title in 2024, on what to expect from the Bundesliga.
'I'm very happy and pleased with how this weekend went,' Diaz told ESPN. 'As you pointed out, it was my first official match, my first goal, and my first title.
'I dreamed of coming here to achieve great things and give my best. I try to enjoy football.
'It was a big gamble and I'm very grateful to the management for reaching out to me and trusting me. It's always up to me to respond on the pitch and contribute with what I know how to do. To be at the disposal of the coaching staff. To start this way and be together with my teammates is incredible.'
He added: 'I already had some knowledge of the Bundesliga. I love watching football and all the competitions.
'I had the opportunity to talk to Florian in Liverpool, and I know it's a physical league. I hope to have a great debut. I've been here at the club for about two weeks, and I need time to settle in.'
The Colombian international's comments underline the risk attached to his decision to leave Merseyside, where he had been a popular figure since arriving from Porto in January 2022.
In two and a half seasons at Anfield he made 148 appearances, scoring 41 goals and helping Jurgen Klopp’s side win the FA Cup and two League Cups before Arne Slot guided them to the league title last spring.
Talks over a new Anfield contract were mooted but when a deal never materalised, Bayern were able to step in and make the winger one of the most expensive signings in Bundesliga history.
On the pitch, Díaz has slotted in seamlessly. His winner against Stuttgart carried added significance after he dedicated the goal to Diogo Jota, his former Liverpool team-mate who tragically died in a car crash in July.
'It's brutal,' Diaz added. 'The fact that he's no longer with us and that we've lost an incredible teammate is unbelievable. No one is prepared to receive this kind of news and feel OK when faced with a situation like this.
'He was a great teammate to me. We will remember him fondly. He will live on in our memories, and being able to dedicate the goal to him is something special. I had planned to do so.'