Felix Nmecha comments on the debate about his goal celebration

Felix Nmecha has now also spoken out in the debate about the controversial goal celebration. Late on Monday evening, the BVB midfielder spoke out in a story – a post that was visible for 24 hours – on Instagram.

"It has been brought to my attention that my recent goal celebration gesture has led to some misunderstandings. I do not want to put myself or any organization in the foreground with my celebration. Rather, it is about laying down my 'crown' in front of the soon-to-return King and pointing to Jesus - to my hope and my strength!", writes Nmecha in English.

"My message," the post continues, "was never intended to promote intolerance, discrimination or hatred in any form. As Christians, our message is one of love and respect for every person - regardless of where they come from, what they believe in or what worldview they hold."

Conversation with national coach Klopp

Nmecha, who arrived at the German national soccer team's headquarters in Herzogenaurach on Monday, caused a stir at the weekend due to his goal celebration in the game against SV Elversberg (2-1), in which he took an imaginary crown from his head on his knees in front of the south stand - and fueled a debate.

“We are not concerned with condemning a person because of their faith,” the BVB fan and support department made clear in a statement on Sunday. "Our criticism is directed against religious networks that, under the guise of faith, spread a worldview in which people are devalued or excluded because of their sexual orientation, their gender identity, their way of life or their personal decisions." In response to the fan criticism, BVB announced a conversation with Nmecha.

Excitement already at the World Cup

The DFB are also looking to talk to the 26-year-old national player. Sports director Rudi Völler announced this. "We will talk to him about it because it has become a public topic. But the most important thing with a topic like this is to understand it exactly. The way many things are done here has to be guaranteed. So far I can only say positive things about Felix Nmecha. He did extremely well at the World Cup, not just as a footballer, also with the way he was between games. He is very popular with his teammates. I can understand the discussion that not everyone likes that. We will do it similarly to them Dortmunders, with whom we are also in contact. We don't want to hang it up like that. We will certainly talk to him about it," Völler said in the "Kerners 11" podcast.