Bleary-eyed after his trip from Baku, Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer signed a five-year contract with Bayern Munich on Wednesday having passed the medical examination.
Neuer was in goal for Germany's 3-1 win over Azerbaijan in a Euro 2012 qualifier on Tuesday in Baku, but after a night-flight went straight to Munich to finalise the deal which runs until June 30 2016.
"I am fit enough for the medical test, but I still didn't get enough sleep on the flight," said Neuer after a four-hour flight from Azerbaijan's capital to London and then a connecting flight to Munich.
"I am looking forward to the tasks ahead, the first training sessions and the training camp.
"I won't just be a visitor in Munich, I think I will feel comfortable here."
Despite his obvious fatigue, Bayern's new signing was in high spirits and he admitted the long-running transfer saga had taken a toll on him since he first announced he was leaving Schalke 04 nearly two months ago.
"I'm glad that everything is now behind me," he said, having tearfully announced his departure from Schalke back on April 20.
After outstanding displays for Germany at the 2010 World Cup, Neuer underlined his reputation last season as one of the world's best goalkeepers.
"I feel good in Germany, I am the national goalkeeper and Bayern Munich is the best club in Germany, so I always wanted to come to Bayern," said Neuer.
Neuer says he has come to the Bavarian giants to win plenty of silverware over the next five seasons.
The Bayern squad begin pre-season training on July 1 under new coach Jupp Heynckes and Neuer said he is looking forward to getting to know his new team-mates.
"No it will not be normal, this is all new territory for me," admitted the 25-year-old.
For now, Neuer is more concerned about his three-week holiday before returning to German league action with Bayern facing a play-off in August to be sure of their Champions League place next season.
Bayern will find out their opponents when the draw is made on June 20 with next season's final to be held at Munich's Allianz Arena on May 19, 2012.
When asked where he wanted to spend his summer vacation, Neuer's answer was simple.
"Far away, in any case," he joked.
Source: AFP
