Kiwi football prodigy Sarpreet Singh's targetting a starting spot in Bayern Munich's first team in 2020.
The 20-year-old has had a whirlwind six months at the German football powerhouse, making his first-team debut nine days ago.
On Tuesday, he stepped back into the country unnoticed, an experience miles away from Bayern Munich's home stadium.
"Just being at the Allianz arena and 80,000 screaming your name," Singh told Newshub. "It gives you goosebumps."
It was Singh's first appearance for Bayern's first team, replacing none other than their star midfielder Phillippe Coutinho
"It's a crazy feeling when you're standing there watching a Coutinho masterclass from the bench, and then you come on for him. It's a dream come true."
That moment was the crescendo of a crazy few months for the Aucklander.
He signed for Bayern Munich expecting to ply his trade primarily for the reserve side. But he's since gone on to represent them in their preseason tour, score four goals for the reserves, then earn a fulltime callup to train with the first team by coach Hansi Flick.
"I've been grateful for all of the opportunities that have come to me so far and it's just the start."
But Singh's not getting caught up in the fanfare of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world and the fame that comes with it.
"Of course life's changed a bit but I'm still the same. I still work hard and try to become a better football player."
That's his main goal when he gets back to Germany and he hopes it'll lead to more first-team appearances and a regular starting spot in Munich.
But in the meantime, he's just looking forward to spending ten days in Auckland.
"It's been tough… it's not easy being over there by yourself everyday grafting. So yeah, it's nice to be home and see some family."
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