Thiago Alcantara has revealed the chance to link up once again with coach Pep Guardiola was one of the main reasons he signed for Bayern Munich.
The European champions have completed the signing of the highly rated midfielder from Barcelona on a four-year contract for an initial fee of 20million euro (£17.3million), with add-ons taking the total amount to 25million euro (£21.6million).
After arriving in Munich on Monday afternoon, the 22-year-old was quick to hail the significance of Guardiola at Munich, having worked under his fellow Spaniard when they were both at the Nou Camp.
When asked why he chose Bayern, Thiago told the club's official website: "On the one hand, there's the history of the club, which has been one of the best in the world for many years. On top of that, this team plays very attractive football. And I believe the arrival of Pep Guardiola will provide an additional boost.
"We've known each other for a long time and he's a coach who has placed great faith in me. I'm a huge fan of the way he likes football to be played.
"There aren't many coaches in the world with his ability. He was definitely one of the important reasons for me making the move to Munich."
Guardiola last week pinpointed Thiago as his number one transfer target in his first summer with Bayern and club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was delighted to appease his new coach.
"We're delighted we've successfully negotiated this major transfer," said Rummenigge. "Only recently, Thiago was named best player at the Under-21 European Championship. He's a fantastic player with huge potential, and he will make FC Bayern stronger."
Thiago came to the fore in Spain's triumphant Under-21s European Championship campaign in Israel with a string of impressive performances, most notably when he scored a hat-trick in the final against Italy.
He becomes the fourth member of that victorious squad to make a big-money move this summer, following Real Madrid's signings of Isco, Asier Illarramendi and Dani Carvajal.
Source: PA
