Bayern Munich sealed a 35th Bundesliga title with a 5-1 win over Cologne on the final day, and Goretzka marked the occasion by walking to the South Stand to hand a beer to supporters in the front row, a gesture that earned a standing ovation from the ultras behind the goal.
The fans had already serenaded him with Herbert Grönemeyer's "Bochum" — the anthem of his hometown club — during the warm-up, and later unveiled a banner reading: "Bochum lad in red and white — Thank you for eight years, Leon."
Club chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen, sporting director Max Eberl and Christoph Freund presented Goretzka with a commemorative collage and flowers before kick-off. Manager Vincent Kompany picked him from the start, and the 31-year-old repaid the trust by setting up Harry Kane's fourth goal of the afternoon.
Goretzka spoke afterwards about the meaning of the final home match.
"The special moment for me was when I stood with the South Stand, spoke with the fans, and they encouraged me. That just showed me that I was and am still part of this family. I'm simply proud of that."
His next destination has been widely reported across Italian and German outlets. AC Milan have proposed a three-year contract worth five million euros per season, seeing off competition from Juventus, Inter, Napoli, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid. Goretzka has not yet formally confirmed the move, saying only that he has not fully made up his mind, though the substance of multiple independent reports points clearly toward the San Siro.
Bayern could also honour him before the DFB-Pokal final against Stuttgart in Berlin on May 23.