Eric Dier can’t hide his delight when asked about knocking Arsenal out of the Champions League… as Spurs loanee reveals he ‘loves’ playing for Bayern Munich but remains coy on his future

Eric Dier admitted Bayern Munich‘s win over Arsenal in the Champions League was made extra special because of his and Harry Kane‘s Tottenham connections.

The Bavarians set up a mouthwatering semi-final against Real Madrid after winning 1-0 at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night courtesy of Joshua Kimmich’s goal and 3-2 on aggregate.

Dier joined Bayern on loan in January, reuniting with his former Spurs teammate, who swapped north London for Bavaria in a £100million deal last summer

And the former England international conceded derailing Arsenal’s European campaign was particularly satisfying.  

‘It was nice to knock them out, to be honest,’ he said when asked whether facing Arsenal provided him and Kane with an extra incentive.   

The Spurs loanee delivered a superb performance as Bayern held Arsenal at bay 

‘These are the nights that you you want to be a part of and to play for this club play here in a quarter-final and experience that was was amazing. 

‘And we’re just really happy that we got through.’ 

Speaking at full-time, Kane echoed his teammate’s feelings.

‘[It was] an unbelievable win. It’s been a tough season for us,’ he told TNT Sports. 

‘We’ve had to fight and grind it out at times. We knew we could make the difference with our fans at home. 

‘The expectation here is to try and win the Champions League. 

Having made just four appearances – with only one start – under Ange Postecoglou this season, Dier has been a regular in Thomas Tuchel’s plans since joining Bayern.

The 30-year-old has started 12 of his 17 appearances and is clearly enjoying life in Germany. 

‘For me, it’s a privilege to play for a club like this,’ he said. 

‘And, you know, yet I feel extremely proud to play for the club. I love to play every single time, you know, to put on the shirt is special to me.’

Dier (fourth right) said he felt privileged to play for Bayern and revealed he loves life in Munich

Dier’s loan deal at Bayern runs out at the end of the season as does his contract with Spurs,  but he was non-committal when asked if he saw his long-term future at the Allianz Arena.

‘I don’t get too far ahead of myself. I think it’s real dangerous,’ he said. 

‘But yeah, I love it here. I love the club. I love the feeling of playing for this club. So I will just keep trying to play well.’

Real Madrid and Jude Bellingham now stand between Bayern and a first Champions League final in four years after they knocked out Manchester City on penalties.

Bayern are well acquainted with Bellingham, who spent three seasons in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and has taken LaLiga by storm since moving to Real in a £113m deal in the summer.

And Dier was full of praise for the 20-year-old for fulfilling his potential away from the Premier League.

‘He’s obviously had an incredible season in Madrid,’ he said.

‘I’m very happy for him. Because he’s a he’s a great guy. He went to Dortmund and that was a brave move. 

‘He knew his own ability. And I think he’s made very smart moves in his career.’