Eric Dier (31, Bayern Munich) ultimately left Tottenham Hotspur and lifted a trophy.

The British outlet 'The Sun' reported on the 13th (Korean time) that "Dier said he was afraid he would never win a trophy. He worried that he would not be able to hold a trophy until he finally won at Bayern."

The media reported that "center-back Dier tasted painful defeats at Tottenham alongside his friend Harry Kane. After that, they celebrated their victory by lifting the plate-shaped German champion trophy last Saturday after going through a similar journey."

Bayern succeeded in early clinching the Bundesliga title this season. They pulled ahead of second-place Bayer Leverkusen early on and reclaimed the Meisterschale (Bundesliga championship trophy) that they lost to Leverkusen last season. This marks their 33rd league title.

Dier also played a part in the victory. He joined Bayern on a surprise loan last January after leaving Tottenham and has excelled in a backup role this season. While he had few opportunities in the first half, he stably filled the gap left by the injury of Dayot Upamecano in the second half, helping the team maintain its position at the top.

This is the first trophy for both Dier and Kane in their careers. The two have been teammates for nearly a decade at Tottenham but never lifted a trophy throughout their professional careers. They reached the finals twice during their time at Tottenham but ended both in defeat.

Dier and Kane, who finally ended their trophyless history wearing the same uniform, celebrated the confirmed victory with a hug and burst into song, singing 'We Are the Champions' while popping champagne. The British media also highlighted that the two, leaving Tottenham, succeeded in winning together in Germany.

Dier and Kane enjoyed their joy during the victory ceremony held at Allianz Arena (Bayern's home ground). After winning 2-0 in the last home match of the season against Borussia Mönchengladbach on the 11th, Bayern held the victory ceremony in front of fans. Dier also followed Kane in raising the Meisterschale high and roaring.

Especially, Dier was playful with Kim Min-jae. First, Serge Gnabry and Kim Min-jae took the lead, pulling Dier forward as if to say, 'Next is your turn.'

Dier did not forget Kim Min-jae either. He literally grabbed Kim Min-jae by the collar and urged him to step forward, making Kim Min-jae burst into laughter.

Afterward, as Kim Min-jae stayed in position, Dier pushed him again from behind, and Thomas Müller and Kane joined in. Ultimately, Kim Min-jae could no longer resist and stepped forward on the podium to lift the trophy high.

Dier expressed his feelings about winning for the first time. He said, "Winning a trophy feels really good. It was better than anyone could express. It certainly took a long time. The longer it takes, the more you start to doubt if you can really win."

He recalled painful memories from his time at Tottenham. Dier reflected, "Especially when you don't win in a tight situation, that's normal. I think back to many moments, like when I lost in the Carabao Cup final in 2015 during my first season at Tottenham. Life and careers always come with many 'what ifs.' Who knows what would have happened if I had received a trophy so early?"

He added, "But it doesn’t matter now. I did it. It was an amazing season. Being in an environment where I learned what it takes to win and how to win was helpful. I finally feel relief in having done it. In that sense, it does put a significant burden on my shoulders, but it's certainly not just an individual effort, including myself. It's a tremendous team effort."

He also shared how it felt to lift the trophy alongside Kane. Dier said, "Winning with Kane is really special. We’ve been playing together since we were 20 and even played for the England national team before that. On the night when the victory was confirmed, we were together, and it was a special moment."

Meanwhile, Dier will leave Bayern at the end of this season. He is set to join AS Monaco on a free contract. According to various media outlets, including 'Sky Sports' Germany, both parties have already finalized a three-year contract. It is also said to include an extension option.

In fact, Bayern wanted to re-sign Dier and offered a two-year contract. However, Dier opted for Monaco, which proposed a longer contract. In terms of playing time, Monaco was also a good choice. According to German 'Kicker', Bayern notified Dier that they could not guarantee him consistent starting appearances.

Dier is set to challenge the French stage for the first time in his life. He explained the reason for choosing Monaco, saying, "Since I am talking now, it seems almost official. (Monaco) was the club that had the best discussions with me, and ultimately, the club that put in the most effort to sign me."

Dier also added, "Monaco felt like they were not considering any other situation besides being with me. They really wanted me. I am truly grateful. They did everything they could to bring me in."

[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Harry Kane, Sky Sports, Bayern Munich social media.

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