Leeds United defender Maximilian Wöber has explained his need to play at the highest level possible ahead of Euro 2024 led to him to leave this summer.
The Austrian defender has been speaking to BILD after leaving Elland Road last month on a season-long loan deal to Borussia Monchengladbach.
The move has brought a quick end to a short spell with Leeds, who he had only joined sixth months earlier when he arrived from RB Salzburg in a €12m deal in the January transfer window.
He proved to be a smart addition as Leeds looked to shore up their leaky defence but was unable to help them turn around a disappointing campaign and they were eventually relegated to the Championship.
The 25-year-old is one of a few who have moved to the Bundesliga, and he’s now explained his thinking behind the decision.
“I was only at Sevilla for six months because things weren’t going so well with an injury and a change of coach,” he said.
“There was no longer an option for me. As a young player I felt I needed playing time and wasn’t happy with a place on the bench. Even if Sevilla was a huge club.
“That’s what happened with Leeds because of the relegation. At that point in my career, I decided that it was best to play at as high a level as possible. Gladbach offers me the opportunity.
“The European Championship is a huge goal, it’s a highlight for every footballer.
That’s why I want to present myself at the highest possible level and secure my place. At the moment we are right on course in qualifying.
“In the next international break, it’s time to fix that. Then I have to perform here so that I can have my place in the national team.”
