David Alaba has confirmed that he has decided to end his 13 years journey with German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. The 28-year-old center-back confirmed this in a press conference held on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.
During the press conference, the Austrian international said he would officially exit the club at the end of the 2020-2021 football season but didn’t confirm his next move.
David Alaba joined Bayern Munich on July 1, 2008, as a teenager. He was allowed to grow with the club’s youth team until July 1, 2010, when he gained promotion to the club’s senior team.
Then, he could not hold his own and had to be sent on loan to TSG Hoffenheim on January 1, 2011. He returned to Bayern in July that year and never had a reason to leave the club.
Since last season, it has been reported that David Alaba and Bayern Munich have not been able to reach an agreement on his contract extension. Reports say Alaba wanted to be among the top earners at the club while the club was not ready to give him such an offer.
Hence, the Austrian international decided to make it public that when his current contract with the club ends in July, he would exit the club to a yet-to-be-confirmed club.
David Alaba said: “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.
“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.”
🗣️ @David_Alaba: "I have made the decision to leave #FCBayern at the end of this season and try something new. It obviously wasn't an easy decision – I've been here for 13 years and the club means a lot to me."#MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/XJXIkSvYzb
— 🏆🏆🏆FC Bayern English🏆🏆🏆 (@FCBayernEN) February 16, 2021
David Alaba’s likely destination
As he mentioned in his press conference on Tuesday, David Alaba has no known destination after he exits Bayern Munich. But that does not mean that he does not have a couple of clubs that have already shown interest in him.
Some of the clubs that have shown a huge interest in him include Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, and Paris Saint Germain.
Based on reports concerning his departure from Bayern Munich, the club which seems like David Alaba’s possible destination next summer is Real Madrid. The Spanish club is said to have an advantage over other suitors due to Alaba’s love for the club.
David Alaba achievements at Bayern Munich
In the 13 years David Alaba spent at Bayern Munich, the 28-year-old center-back has scored 33 goals and provided 50 assists in 415 games in all competitions.
The Austrian international has helped Bayern Munich to win 9 German Bundesliga titles, six DFB Pokal, and three DFL-Supercup titles. He has also helped Bayern Munich to win two UEFA Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cup, and two FIFA Club World Cup.
In his 13 years with FC Bayern, @David_Alaba has won:
— 🇺🇸 FC Bayern US 🇨🇦 (@FCBayernUS) February 16, 2021
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Bundesliga
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 DFB-Pokal
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 German Supercup
🏆🏆 UEFA Champions League
🏆🏆 UEFA Super Cup
🏆🏆 FIFA Club World Cup
And we're not done yet! 🔴⚪#MiaSanFamily pic.twitter.com/avlZ6Uxjlc
