Harry Kane expressed both relief and excitement as he held a TV station microphone on the pitch just minutes after Bayern Munich’s unexpected resurgence.
The 30-year-old striker not only netted a penalty but also marked his 15th goal in his 20th appearance against Arsenal, as the Bavarians secured a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals with the Gunners.
Kane’s goal, which gave Bayern an interim 2-1 lead, was his sixth at the Emirates Stadium since its 2006 opening and his eighth penalty against Arsenal.
While Kane’s success against the London team is no longer surprising, the revival of Bayern Munich, the reigning German champions who have been struggling, certainly was.
Kane’s move to Bayern Munich from Spurs, where he spent 14 years, was motivated by his desire to win titles.
“It’s not a season like I wanted,” Kane stated after the 2020 treble winner had gambled away opportunities in the national league and the German Cup.
Tuesday’s game reopened doors for Kane’s dreams to harvest silverware.
“Being English and the captain, Wembley is my home stadium. Yes, my Wembley dream is alive,” the forward stated with the 2023/24 Uefa Champions League final scheduled for June 1 at Wembley.
Kane spoke of a small step. “We have done, but still face a tough game next week. I hope we can make a difference next week with our fans supporting us and creating a good atmosphere,” he added after the Bavarian’s fans suffered from a Uefa ban in London due to pyrotechnical offences in previous games.
He talked of a necessary comeback after “we became more a team than before. The performance last Saturday was unacceptable. We had to do something.”
From the strikers’ perspective, Bayern have delivered and proved their international robustness and quality despite various setbacks and internal unrest.
Former Paris and 2021 Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel is departing at the end of the season. Bayern are scouting for a new coach and spoke about a significant squad re-launch.
“I seem to often get penalties against Arsenal,” Kane said while smiling.
