Kai Havertz is hoping to carry over his form at Arsenal for Euro 2024 as he leads the line for Germany in their home tournament.
The 24-year-old is playing in his home Euros after the best goalscoring season of his Premier League career.
Havertz made an unexpected move to London last summer when he swapped Chelsea for the Gunners in a £65million deal.
The Germany international initially sparked skepticism over the move, but he has defied criticism by playing under Mikel Arteta.
Having initially been recruited as a midfielder, Havertz became a key cog in the attack and contributed to a career-high 13 Premier League goals.
His form has allowed Havertz to display his unique celebration on several occasions, with the Germans hoping it will be featured at Euro 2024.
After scoring, Havertz places his hands on either side of his head, open palm facing forward, then sticks out his tongue simultaneously.
During an interview published on Arsenal’s official YouTube channel in January, the striker revealed he was inspired by a Brazilian icon.
Havertz said, as reported by the Mirror: “Neymar was doing it. And recently I was in the national team and one of the guys Marvin Ducksch, who plays for Werder Bremen.
“I was sitting next to him in the coach and before the game he said to me: ‘If you score today, make my party.’ I said ‘OK,’ I scored, then I celebrated (and then it continued).”
Neymar’s original celebration was first shown during Paris Saint-Germain’s pre-season tour of Japan.
The now Al-Hilal superstar used the gesture to hit back at sections of the media who accused him of diving to win a penalty during PSG’s 6-2 win over local side Gamba Osaka.
Havertz first imitated the celebration on Ducksch’s orders during Germany’s 3-2 loss to Turkey in November.
The Werder Bremen striker explained: “We were sitting next to each other on the bus and he promised he would celebrate me if he scored.
“He kept his word and he even used it in the next two games. This made me really happy!
Havertz scored in Germany’s first match against Scotland, but he opted for a different celebration this time around.
Fans will be hoping he scores again against Switzerland, live on talkSPORT, and brings out his signature move.
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