David Alaba explains Bayern departure
Leaving Bayern München is not 'a decision against the club,' says David Alaba.
After spending 13 years at Bayern München, David Alaba will be departing the club when his contract expires this summer.
In an interview with Bayern's club magazine '51', the Austrian international has spoken out on his decision to leave.
"It's always difficult when something comes to an end and it's no secret that I've always really felt at home here. Obviously, I'm leaving FC Bayern with a tear in my eye but also looking forward to my future at the same time. It wasn't a decision against the club, but I decided I'd like to do something new and take another step forward," said Alaba and added:
"To grow, you have to leave your 'comfort zone' – and I deliberately put that word in quotation marks because it could possibly be misunderstood. At FC Bayern, the expectations on the pitch are always extreme from the management, in the dressing room or from yourself. I think that perhaps you have to go into the unknown to be able to mature again."
It's still unclear where the 28-year-old will be continuing his career, but he has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Alaba has made a total of 428 appearances for the Bavarians with 33 goals and 53 assists to his name.