Dortmund wonderkid Moukoko reveals he wanted to retire from football

has established himself as one of the most promising young strikers in Bundesliga. Having scored 88 goals in 141 matches for Borussia Dortmund’s academy team, Moukoko joined the senior squad as a 15-year-old in January 2020.

The rise of Moukoko to the highest level of German football might seem like plain sailing, but the teenager says he had to deal with anxiety in order to deliver his impressive performances.

“In the beginning, the reports were very stressful for me, especially when my age was discussed,"

he told

.

"I didn't want to do this to myself anymore. I wanted to quit, but my trainer helped me a lot, he supported me. I could forget everything on the pitch."

Moukoko made 15 appearances for Dortmund across all competitions last season. The Germany U20 international became the youngest-ever Bundesliga scorer when breaking the deadlock for the Black and Yellows in their match against Union Berlin in December.

When asked about his goals for the upcoming season, Moukoko responded:

"I want to accumulate more minutes than in my first season, score more goals, make more assists,"

he said.

"I always want to be there when the team needs me.

"Of course it's going to be difficult. But I have to be confident in my abilities. I need playing time. I'm sure I will have more playing time."

The teenage striker believes Dortmund can challenge Bayern Munich on their way to Bundesliga glory this season.

"Our captain Marco Reus has already said that we can play for the title," he added. "That's why I want to become a German champion and win the trophy. If we believe in ourselves, we can also achieve a lot in the Champions League. Why not?"

Dortmund will start their 2020-21 Bundesliga campaign with a match against

on August 14.

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