Harry Kane already has an extraordinary number of match balls at Bayern Munich, so he was only too happy to gift one to Leon Goretzka.
However, it wasn’t a hat-trick that earned the midfielder the honours against St. Pauli.
Instead, Kane opted to give Goretzka the ball for his goal that broke the Bundesliga record for most goals in a single season.
Jamal Musiala’s opener in the 5-0 win matched the previous record of 101 by Bayern’s 1971/72 squad before Goretzka officially surpassed it with his 2-0 goal.
The Germany midfielder will depart Munich as a free agent in the summer and explained how much the gesture meant to him.
Goretzka blessed by Kane
“The ball was handed to me on the field,” he said.
“I hadn’t even realised it was a record and had to have it explained to me.
“It’s a great thing and it reflects what an extraordinary season we’re having.”
Asked about what he said in the dressing room after, Goretzka added: “I kept it short and thanked Harry who, along with Michael Olise and Lucho, was primarily responsible for making this possible.
“It (the goal) doesn’t mean much to me. I already made history with the fastest own goal in Bundesliga history.
“So it’s a nice correction to appear there with a different record.”
Bayern delighted Goretzka stayed
Discussing the scene around Goretzka, sporting director Max Eberl said he wasn’t even able to speak to him.
“He’s being passed from one person to another because he broke the record,” he said with a smile.
“But it’s great that he broke it. And that’s exactly the story we have as a group, standing together.
“He decided to stay in the winter – very right and very fortunate for us – and now he has broken the goalscoring record.
“Accordingly, it’s wonderful for him, and we want to continue.”
Vincent Kompany was also delighted with Goretzka, but did admit he only started so that Aleksandar Pavlovic was rested for Real Madrid midweek.
“I told the team that if any player believes in his moments, it’s Leon,” the coach said.
“And the fact that he in particular should break the record is ‘typical Leon’ – because he always believes in his moments.”
Goretzka added: “Of course. I always aim to play from the start.
“But to be honest, I think Pavlo rested a bit today; he’ll be fresh again during the week.
“Nevertheless, I firmly believe – as does everyone in our team – that I have to do my part.
“That might mean playing half an hour at the end, or possibly extra time. We will all be ready on that day.”
Long-time midfield partner Joshua Kimmich added: “I perceive him as very positive and composed.
“With his mindset, he’s a role model for many players and people out there, showing that it’s always worth fighting for your opportunity.
“He embodies that, and that’s why I’m happy for him.”
Farewell for a Bayern legend
Goretzka has a minimum of seven games left for Bayern which could increase should they progress in the Champions League and DFB Pokal.
He’s been able to enjoy his goodbye, having announced the departure at the end of January.
Linked with a departure all of the winter window, he told fans on social media: “As much as I’m honored by the interest from top international clubs, I’ve made a clear decision that I want to stay with FC Bayern until the end of the season.
“With a team that’s incredibly fun to be around, both on and off the pitch, and a coach who has molded our squad back into a true unit! I feel a deep commitment to this team and the club.
“Our shared goal is to be back at Marienplatz in May, celebrating the biggest titles together with you!
“At the same time, the club and I have decided, after good and constructive discussions, that our successful time together will come to an end this summer.
“As I’ve said before, it’s also the right time for me to start a new chapter: as a footballer and as a person.
“But there’s still a lot to do before then. Let’s all give it our all to achieve maximum success this season and at the World Cup with FC Bayern and the national team!”
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