- Bayern Munich won 1-0 on Wednesday night and 3-2 on aggregate
- Eric Dier joined the Bundesliga giants on loan in January
- Darwin Núñez is a handful, but not lethal. Jurgen Klopp makes excuses for him – Listen to the everything is beginning podcast
Eric Dier admitted that Bayern Munich’s victory over Arsenal in the Champions League was very special because of his connections with Harry Kane’s Tottenham.
The Bavarians are preparing for a delightful semi-final against Real Madrid after winning 1-0 at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night thanks to Joshua Kimmich’s goal and 3-2 on aggregate.
Dier joined Bayern on loan in January, reuniting with his former Spurs teammate, who swapped north London for Bayern in a £100m deal last summer.
And the former England international admitted that the derailment of Arsenal’s European campaign was particularly satisfying.
“It was nice to knock them out to be honest,” he said when asked if facing Arsenal gave him and Kane extra incentive.
Eric Dier and Harry Kane enjoyed beating Arsenal and knocking them out of Europe
The Spurs loanee put in a magnificent performance as Bayern held off Arsenal
“These are the nights you want to be a part of and play for this club, play here in the quarter-finals and the experience was incredible.”
“And we’re so glad we got through it.”
Speaking at full-time, Kane echoed his teammate’s sentiments.
‘[It was] an incredible victory. It’s been a tough season for us,” he told TNT Sports.
‘We have had to fight and make efforts at times. We knew we could make a difference with our fans at home.
“The expectation here is to try to win the Champions League.
Having made just four appearances, with just one start, under Ange Postecoglou this season, Dier has been a regular in Thomas Tuchel’s plans since arriving at Bayern.
The 30-year-old has started 12 of his 17 games and is clearly enjoying life in Germany.
“For me it is a privilege to play for a club like this,” he said.
And yet, I feel very proud to play for the club. “I love playing every time, you know, putting on the jersey is special for me.”
Dier (fourth right) said he felt privileged to play for Bayern and revealed that he loves life in Munich.
Dier’s loan deal at Bayern ends at the end of the season as does his contract with Spurs, but he was non-committal when asked if he saw his long-term future at the Allianz Arena.
“I’m not getting too far ahead. I think it’s really dangerous,” he said.
But yeah, I love it here. I love the club. I love the feeling of playing for this club. So I’ll keep trying to play well.”
Real Madrid and Jude Bellingham now stand between Bayern and a first Champions League final in four years after eliminating Manchester City on penalties.
Bellingham is well known to Bayern, who spent three seasons in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and has taken LaLiga by storm since moving to Real in a £113m deal in the summer.
And Dier praised the 20-year-old for fulfilling his potential outside of the Premier League.
“He’s obviously had an incredible season in Madrid,” he said.
‘I’m very happy for him. Because he’s a great guy. He went to Dortmund and it was a brave decision.
‘He knew his own ability. And I think he’s made very smart moves in his career.”
