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Mario Gotze made the right decision in turning down a move to Liverpool - that’s according to Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus.

Jurgen Klopp made the 23-year-old World Cup winner a priority target in the summer transfer window, but this week Gotze confirmed his desire to stay at Bayern Munich and impress new boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Matthaus, who won seven league titles and three German cups in two spells with Bayern, says that Gotze would have been making a mistake in moving to a club outside of the Champions League.

“I don’t know whether there was indeed an offer from Liverpool,” Matthaus told TZ.

“But why would he join a club that do not even play in the Champions League?

“He would have taken the easy solution with a move to Liverpool. But the easy solution is not always the right solution.”

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Gotze struggled for game time at Bayern last season under Pep Guardiola and Klopp had hoped to reunite with the player he brought through the ranks at Borussia Dortmund - but Matthaus says Gotze is not ready to take the ‘easy way out’.

“Mario has shown with his latest comments that he is ready to fight for his place. This whole situation will only make him stronger. I applaud his decision to stay put. He is finally standing up for himself. He is taking his career in his own hands at last.

“He is not taking the easy way out, but is taking on the challenge. He wants to show Bayern what he can do. I have waited for this for quite some time. This is a sign that he is getting mature.

“I don’t think he is looking to leave on a free transfer in 2017 and earn a big signing fee. He has already made enough money. He did this because he wants to show Bayern he is a player of the highest level.”

Liverpool this week confirmed the signing of Mainz goalkeeper Loris Karius in a £4.7m deal, and will now turn their attentions to other targets including Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell and Borussia Monchengladbach midfield Mamhoud Dahoud.