Adelaide United’s Nestory Irankunda to live out his dreams and those of his father with Bayern Munich deal

Adelaide United sensation Nestory Irankunda had clubs around the world chasing him. Aside from being a powerhouse, there’s a major reason he picked Bayern Munich.

• Adelaide teen prodigy signs deal with Euro giants worth up to $5m

Adelaide United star Nestory Irankunda says his move to German giant Bayern Munich will allow him to not only live out his own dreams, but that of his father Gideon as well who is a long-time fan of the European superpower.

In his first press conference since the announcement of Irankunda’s deal with Bayern, the 17-year-old said “it was a great moment for the family’’.

“My dad supported them so I chose them,’’ said Irankunda, who had interest from other major European clubs.

Adelaide United star player Nestory Irankunda with family at home in Adelaide. Nestory has signed with Bayern Munich. Picture: Matt Turner.

Irankunda also paid tribute to Adelaide United who gave him his debut in the A-League when he was only 15.

“I guess they’re a reason I’ve got this opportunity, that without them I wouldn’t have,’’ he said.

Irankunda will remain with Adelaide for the rest of the A-League season before heading to Germany.

Adelaide United coach Carl Veart, left, teenage superstar Nestory Irankunda and his dad Gideon at Coopers Stadium after his signing. Picture: Newswire / Brenton Edwards

Adelaide United coach Carl Veart said he had known Irankunda was a special talent from the first time he saw him playing for the Adelaide Croatia Raiders under-18 team.

“I think everyone can see that Nestor’s qualities are his speed and his power, but people seem to forget that he’s actually technically very good as well and his ball striking is exceptional,’’ Veart said.

Nestory Irankunda celebrates scoring an A League goal for Adelaide with one of his trademark backflips. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“I get excited when I just see him playing to his instinct and I think that’s the key for all of our young players is that they have to play to their own instinct and enjoy what they’re doing, because that’s how you get the best out of yourself.

“There’s no greater joy for myself as a coach and all of our supporters as well, to see these young players from South Australia and local clubs to come through and go on to the big stage and proud of what Nestor has achieved so far. But his challenge now is to do more.”

Earlier, Irankunda said it was “a great achievement, I guess to have the best club in the world after me and wanting to sign me’’.

“There were a lot of clubs interested obviously but I stuck with my gut feeling and chose Bayern Munich,’’ he said.

Irankunda’s move to Bayern will net Adelaide United a minimum of $1.2 million, with the possibility it could rise to around $5 million if Irankunda is a success.

Irankunda will play out the season before heading to Germany in July next year to play alongside global superstars such as England captain Harry Kane and German World Cup winner Thomas Muller.

He said he wanted to win trophies with the Reds before he departs and aimed to score “maybe 10, 15 goals’’.

Irankunda, who was born in a Tanzanian refugee camp after his parents fled war-torn Burundi, is still on a scholarship contract at Adelaide and is set for a massive payday with the leading club.

The family moved initially to Perth when Irankunda was still a baby before settling in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.

Irankunda signed for Adelaide as a 15-year-old in 2021 from Adelaide Croatia, after playing junior football at Parafield Gardens and Northern Wolves.