Thiago Alcântara has admitted that Pep Guardiola’s presence at Bayern Munich was ‘very important’ in his decision to join the Bundesliga club from Barcelona.
The young midfielder, who was strongly linked with a move to Manchester United, flew out to Germany on Monday evening to complete the formalities on a confirmed €25 million transfer from the Camp Nou.
Thiago, who is the son of 1994 World Cup winner Mazinho, has spoken of his delight at the move and revealed he is looking forward to linking up with his former Barca boss at the Allianz Arena.
“I am very happy, very enthusiastic,” Thiago told the club’s official website upon arrival.
“If there is one day in my life that I can be truly happy, then it is this one. I am delighted to be at such a big club like Bayern Munich.
“For one, the history of the club, which is one of the best in the world and has been for many years. For this and that the team plays a very nice football.
“I also believe that the arrival of Pep Guardiola will give an extra boost.
“We go way back. The coach has a great confidence in me. I am a big fan of his style of playing.
“Few coaches in the world have the ability to see football the way he does. He has certainly been very important in my decision to come here.”
