Javi Martinez to leave Bayern Munich at end of the season

 

Bayern Munich defensive midfielder Javi Martinez will leave the club when his contract expires on June 30 this year.

Both Bayern and the 32-year-old, who joined the Bundesliga side in 2012 for a then club-record €40 million move from Athletic Bilbao, have mutually agreed not to extend his contract after an illustrious nine-year spell.

What has been said?

Speaking on his departure, Martinez said in an official club announcement: “I’m very proud and happy to have been part of the FC Bayern family for nine years.

“I’d like to thank this great club and especially our fans – you have made Munich my home! I’ll never forget these nine years.

“From the very first day, I felt the ‘Mia san mia’ and the special nature of FC Bayern. I lived for this club, always gave everything for it, and am very happy about the many titles we won together.”

Club president Herhert Hainer added: “Javi Martinez is one of those people who make it clear what FC Bayern stands for.

“When top international players identify with our club the way he does, you can achieve great things.”

What has he achieved at Bayern?

The defensive midfielder has had a glittering spell at the club, winning 28 trophies.

He is likely to add one more to his trophy cabinet before he departs, with Bayern on the verge of yet another Bundesliga title.

The Spaniard’s debut season saw Bayern win the first treble in their history, a feat he then repeated last summer in what became a historic year with six titles.

In total, Martinez has won the Bundesliga in every season he has spent at Munich, as well as twice winning the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, plus five DFB Cups and four DFL Supercups.

During his nine years at the Bavarian giants, Martinez has so far amassed 266 games in all competitions.

Who else will be leaving Bayern?

Martinez will join other Bayern veterans David Alaba and Jerome Boateng, as well as head coach Hansi Flick, in departing the club this summer.

Bayern have said all four individuals will be given a “fitting farewell” by the club at the end of the season.