Alonso’s move to the Allianz Arena was surprise to many.
Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso has revealed that he joined Bayern Munich because it meant he could get the opportunity to experience a new league and that trumped the prospect of moving back to the Premier League, the Daily Star reports.
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The veteran playmaker was regularly linked with moves to Manchester United and Chelsea last season while former club Liverpool were also in the hunt for his signature.
However, Alonso decided he needed a new challenge after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid at the end of last season.
“I had the chance to go to another top club in another league,” the 32-year-old, who joined Bayern in August for an undisclosed fee, said.
“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.”
Following Alonso’s move to Germany, speculation was rife that the midfielder had left the Spanish capital because Los Blancos had signed several new players during the summer, including Toni Kroos who plays in a similar position.
However, 32-year-old insists that Real’s in-coming players weren’t the reason he left.
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.”
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