Striker has had enough of sitting on the Bayern bench!

Bundesliga - Wolfsburg vs Munich 5-1

Italian international Luca Toni has confirmed that he will leave Bayern Munich if head coach Louis van Gaal does not utilise him sufficiently.

With striker Mario Gomez signed from Stuttgart this summer, the prolific Italian could end up warming the bench at Bayern this campaign.

Toni has made it clear that he will not accept such a role and has stated that he will leave the club this winter if he does not get regular first team action.

“I am aware of my own qualities and so are a number of teams,” Toni told Kicker. “I will consider my future at the club in case I do not get a chance to prove my worth. I will have a look at what other teams have to offer if I do not get regular first team football.

“First, I need to get fully match fit, though. I am not afraid of the competition for a starting berth when I am fully match fit again. I do not mind starting from the bench in the upcoming weeks in order to get match rhythm again after my injury.”

Toni’s current Bayern Munich deal is due to expire in the summer of 2011, but the Germans could opt to cash in on the striker this winter if he fails to secure a spot in the starting XI. (Goal.com)

Quite how Luca Toni became surplus to requirements at Bayern Munich is beyond me. In his first season at the club the Italian managed an incredible 39 goals in all competitions and helped the club to a league and cup double. His second season was hindered by injuries but he still managed 18 goals but now it appears new boss Louis van Gaal values Mario Gomez as his first choice starter and whilst the new striker has done well Bayern have only managed one win in their first four games.

Now Toni wants out and given that Harry Redknapp has made it clear he is interested in the veteran striker perhaps he could well make a move in the January transfer window, by which time it will become even clearer as to whether the former Fiorentina man is part of the new coach’s plans.

The Tottenham boss is keen to have four striking options and with Roman Pavyluchenko edging towards a move back to Russia perhaps a move for 32 year old Toni would work as a good alternative.


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