David Alaba confirms his departure from Bayern Munich

Austria international David Alaba announced on Tuesday that he will be calling time on his 13-year-long association with Bayern Munich this summer.

Alaba will be leaving the Allianz Arena when his contract with the club expires on June 30. The 28-year-old, however, was offered a contract extension but he has decided to opt for a new challenge away from Germany.

“It was not an easy decision. I have been here for 13 years and the association is really close to my heart. I am very grateful to the association for many things,” Alaba told the media on Tuesday.

“I took my time because it’s not an easy decision to make overnight. I decided to do something new – a new challenge. I haven’t made the decision yet (on my new club), that remains to be seen.

“It’s no secret that my management is in contact with several clubs. But a lot is being read into it and I want to concentrate fully on my task here.

“Money has not been a factor in my decision.”

Alaba has already been linked with moves to top Premier League and La Liga clubs this summer. English clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are supposedly interested in Alaba.

Barcelona, PSG and Real Madrid have also been linked but the Los Blancos appear to be the most likely destination for Alaba this season.

Alaba already had nine Bundesliga and two Champions League titles to his name. Moreover, he has helped Bayern to a total of 24 major trophies under six different managers.

He is majorly known for his defensive skills but he hasn’t shied away from contributing to Bayern’s attacking returns as well. In a total of 415 appearances for the club across all competitions, Alaba has 33 goals and 50 assists to his name. The 28-year-old will be eager to add a couple of more Trophies to his name with Bayern, before leaving the Allianz Arena in June.