Harry Kane said in Madrid before Bayern Munich's clash with Atletico Madrid that he would trade his 2026 Ballon d'Or for winning the Champions League with Bayern. He also said he is "extremely close now" to signing a new contract extension.
Team trophies first
Kane told reporters in the Spanish capital: "Team trophies are why we play football. The team aspect of our sport is really, really important."
Kane said: "The Ballon d'Or last week was one of the best feelings I've had in my life and my career... but to have moments with the team, celebrations with the club, to be able to lift the Champions League with Bayern would be an incredible feeling. Of course the Ballon d'Or is a highlight, it puts me on an even bigger level, but you want to have these big finals, the Champions League, having that feeling of emotion with your team-mates as well. I would choose the Champions League, but I have the opportunity to do both, let's see what happens."
Contract talks
On his contract situation, Kane added: "I'd say it's more days (than weeks)... we're extremely close now."
GOAL said Kane's current agreement was originally set to run until the summer of 2027.
Return to the Metropolitano
Kane added: "You have good memories in stadiums, sometimes you don't -- hopefully we can have a good memory tomorrow. I play again here next week with England against Spain, and then hopefully at the end of the year we're back again for the Champions League final. So I have a chance and we have a chance to erase that painful memory from 2019 for sure, and that's what you can do in life and football, just take the next opportunity."
He said the Metropolitano was the scene of his 2019 Champions League final defeat against Liverpool during his time with Spurs, and said this season's Champions League final is scheduled to be held at the same venue.
Kane on Simeone
Kane said: "I'd like to thank Simeone, who is one of the best coaches of this era. I'm proud to receive praise from someone like him. Winning the Ballon d'Or was a huge achievement for me- I've had to overcome many challenges in my career, some people didn't think I'd get this far... but Simeone will do everything he can to stop me and the team tomorrow."
