Andy Irving has explained his reasons for leaving Hearts after sealing a switch to Turkgucu Munchen.
Eyebrows were raised when the Tynecastle side confirmed the midfielder’s departure earlier today and revealed his destination was the German third tier.
With one of Irving’s agents based in the country, making the move there wasn’t a shock, but the level the boyhood Hearts fan will be playing at perhaps was.
Robbie Neilson confirmed that more than one contract offer had been made to the Scotland Under-21 international, but that no answer had come back and that suggested it was increasingly unlikely that the deal would be signed before the deadline.
That passed last week and Irving has opted to continue his career abroad.
And he revealed that the Munich-based outfit had been pursuing for a while and allowed to realise his dream of playing in Germany,
He told the club’s official website: "I had the big dream of playing in Germany for some time.
"Türkgücü Munich noticed me early on and tried very hard for me. The club and its visions convinced me straight away, which is why I really wanted to be a part of this team and this club. I'm really excited to see what it's like to play in another country and I really want to prove myself in this league."
Roman Plesche, sporting director added: "With his good physique, his extraordinary left foot and also his ability to steer a game, Andy already brings some important components to his game at the age of 21,” he said.
"He has experienced a lot in Scotland in the past few years and has the experience of over 100 games as a senior, now he can develop himself further in a new environment with us."
Irving will come up against a familiar face in the 3. Liga, with former Hearts teammate Marcus Godinho, who plays for FSV Zwickau.
The Canadian made the move from Edinburgh in 2019 and has since made 31 appearances.
