Mario Gotze scored deep in extra time to seal Germany’s 1-0 win over Argentina in the World Cup final, sending German fans into ecstasy. The 22-year-old plies his trade for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga after joining them last summer from fierce rivals Borussia Dortmund in a £31.5 million deal.

It could have all been so different for the World Cup hero had he moved away from Dortmund in 2011. After scoring 6 league goals in 33 appearances in the 2010-11 season, Gotze was being eyed by Arsene Wenger and former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Arsenal heavily fancied a move for the midfielder and were close to signing him but Gotze had his heart set on a move to Barcelona. He would have preferred a move to the Emirates over Old Trafford, according to the Express.

However, he chose to remain at the Westfalenstadion in 2011 and has gone on to become one of the most talented attacking midfielders across Europe. Despite his desire to move to Barcelona, Gotze joined Bayern last summer and helped the club to the cup and league double.