Uli Hoeness urges David Alaba to stay at Bayern: 'A million here or there isn't that important'
David Alaba may be able to increase his wages if he leaves Bayern München, but a move away from the club "would be a step backwards in all other areas," argues Uli Hoeness.
Bayern München honorary president Uli Hoeness has urged David Alaba to stay at Allianz Arena amid speculation that the Austrian international is considering leaving the club this summer.
The 28-year-old, whose current deal expires in 2021, has been stalling on a contract extension, with speculation suggesting that his wage demands are a stumbling block.
But while joining another club "might be a step forward financially, it would be a step backwards in all other areas," Hoeness said in an interview with DAZN.
"I can tell him from my own experience that a million here or there isn't that important," he added.
"Bayern can offer him a secure job, a lot of fun, a home, a lot of love from the fans and acceptance, which he will have to work for elsewhere first. And he must know one thing: no club is as familiar, comfortable and pleasant as FC Bayern."
Alaba is said to prefer a move to one of the big clubs in Spain, but neither FC Barcelona nor Real Madrid appear to have made a move for him until now.
"Fortunately, the clubs that he would like to join haven't come knocking for him so far, and that's why I still have hope that he will stay," said Hoeness, who is delighted with how Alaba has developed after he was moved from left-back to central defence.
"He has emerged as an outstanding personality in central defence. He has always been a good defender at left-back, but I think he has made another leap forward in this new position. He has improved, not only has he improved in terms of play, but in his willingness to take responsibility. That's why I think it would be a real shame if he left the club," said Hoeness.