Former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso was heavily linked with a return to the Premier League over the summer, with Chelsea, Manchester United and former employers Liverpool all keen to see him back in England.
But Alonso has revealed that the reason he joined Bayern Munich in the end was the opportunity to experience a new league.
The 32 year-old joined the Bundesliga champions for an undisclosed fee in August and spoke about the move, saying: “I had the chance to go to another top club in another league.
“It was maybe the last time to have experience something new. That’s why I took a few days to make up my mind and I talked about it with Madrid, who were very understanding.
“I’ll always be very thankful to the club. Maybe the decision came late, but that’s how it was.”
Alonso added: “People talk a lot. I wanted a fresh start, in a new city. I felt it was the best thing for my career.
“It didn’t have anything to do with new players arriving because I knew Ancelotti had faith in me and I was going to play an important role.
“There was absolutely nothing I didn’t like at Madrid. It was just that I wanted and needed something new.”
By Phil Wellbrook
